Ukrainian Sumo Wrestler Wins Third Emperor's Cup in Japan

Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danil Javhusyšyn, competing under the ring name Aonishiki Arata, has triumphed at the prestigious "Nagoya Basho" tournament in Nagoya, Japan.

The 22-year-old secured his third Emperor's Cup, a major title in professional sumo, after a dramatic playoff. Javhusyšyn entered the final day with 12 wins and two losses, tied with his closest rivals, Japanese wrestler Atamifuji and Mongolian wrestler Kirishima.

In a crucial bout, Javhusyšyn faced Atamifuji. Although a victory would have clinched the championship, Atamifuji managed to push Javhusyšyn out of the ring. Meanwhile, Kirishima defeated Kotozakura, resulting in all three top contenders finishing with identical 12-3 records. This forced a playoff to determine the champion.

Javhusyšyn emerged victorious in the playoff, winning two consecutive bouts against Atamifuji and then Kirishima. This win follows his previous Emperor's Cup victories at the "Kyushu Basho" in November of the previous year and the "Hatsu Basho" in Tokyo in January.

Originally from Ukraine, Javhusyšyn relocated to Japan in the spring of 2022. He was taken in by Arata Yamanaka, whom he met at the 2019 World Sumo Championship where he won a bronze medal with the Ukrainian national team. Javhusyšyn joined the Ajigawa sumo stable in Tokyo and reached the top Makuuchi division in March of the previous year. Despite facing injuries this year, including a broken toe and an ankle injury, he competed in the Nagoya Basho while experiencing leg pain, demonstrating remarkable resilience.