A Ukrainian refugee has become the first person from his country to win an elite-level sumo tournament.
Danylo Yavhusishyn - known by his sumo ring name Aonishiki - arrived in Japan as an 18-year-old in 2022 after the Russian invasion of his country.
Now aged 21, he is the first Ukrainian to claim the prized Emperor's Cup and the first European in almost eight years to do so.
He is on the verge of being promoted to the second-highest rank of Ozeki, in what would be the fastest promotion in history.
Aonishiki finished the 15-day tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, with a record of 12 wins and three losses and went on to win the championship play-off against Yokozuna grand champion Hoshoryu, a 26-year-old Mongolian who won last month's London tournament.
In his winning ceremony interview, Aonishiki stated, No, I think this is just the beginning, when asked if he felt satisfied with his results after three years in sumo.
His ring name Aonishiki incorporates the Japanese character for blue, reflecting the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Aonishiki is only the second Ukrainian in the top division in sumo. He started sumo at the age of seven after previous experiences in judo and freestyle wrestling, showcasing his skills in youth amateur competitions before fleeing to Germany with his family after the invasion.
He moved to Japan on his own in April 2022, initially without knowledge of the language, but with the support of a university sumo club captain he had met during a youth competition.
Despite being new to professional sumo, Aonishiki has garnered fans both in Japan and globally due to his impressive skills and adaptability. He frequently utilizes uncommon techniques in matches, earning accolades from critics and fans alike.
Recently, Aonishiki was among the most popular competitors at the Grand Sumo Tournament held at Royal Albert Hall in London and is being touted as a potential first-ever European to achieve the prestigious rank of Yokozuna grand champion.
Danylo Yavhusishyn - known by his sumo ring name Aonishiki - arrived in Japan as an 18-year-old in 2022 after the Russian invasion of his country.
Now aged 21, he is the first Ukrainian to claim the prized Emperor's Cup and the first European in almost eight years to do so.
He is on the verge of being promoted to the second-highest rank of Ozeki, in what would be the fastest promotion in history.
Aonishiki finished the 15-day tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, with a record of 12 wins and three losses and went on to win the championship play-off against Yokozuna grand champion Hoshoryu, a 26-year-old Mongolian who won last month's London tournament.
In his winning ceremony interview, Aonishiki stated, No, I think this is just the beginning, when asked if he felt satisfied with his results after three years in sumo.
His ring name Aonishiki incorporates the Japanese character for blue, reflecting the colors of the Ukrainian flag.
Aonishiki is only the second Ukrainian in the top division in sumo. He started sumo at the age of seven after previous experiences in judo and freestyle wrestling, showcasing his skills in youth amateur competitions before fleeing to Germany with his family after the invasion.
He moved to Japan on his own in April 2022, initially without knowledge of the language, but with the support of a university sumo club captain he had met during a youth competition.
Despite being new to professional sumo, Aonishiki has garnered fans both in Japan and globally due to his impressive skills and adaptability. He frequently utilizes uncommon techniques in matches, earning accolades from critics and fans alike.
Recently, Aonishiki was among the most popular competitors at the Grand Sumo Tournament held at Royal Albert Hall in London and is being touted as a potential first-ever European to achieve the prestigious rank of Yokozuna grand champion.
