TOKYO, Feb 2 (Kyodo//APP): Former yokozuna Terunofuji has officially completed his transition to a sumo elder after undergoing the customary topknot-cutting ceremony marking his departure from the active ranks.
The Mongolian-born great, now known as stablemaster Isegahama, retired at last year’s New Year Grand Sumo Tournament as a 10-time champion in the elite makuuchi division.
At Saturday’s ceremony at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo, former yokozuna Hakuho and current grand champion Hoshoryu were among around 330 people helping cut his hair to remove the topknot worn by sumo wrestlers.
Terunofuji was initially promoted to the second-highest rank of ozeki at 23 but tumbled to the fifth-tier jonidan division as he struggled with health issues including major injuries to both knees.
He made a remarkable comeback and earned yokozuna promotion ahead of the Autumn meet in September 2021.
The 34-year-old smiled and shed no tears as he said goodbye to the lock of hair signifying his status as a wrestler.
“Why cry at a celebration?” he said.
Having become the master of the Isegahama stable last June, he now commands 31 wrestlers, more than any other stable as of this year’s January tourney.
“I want to raise star wrestlers who are mentally strong and compassionate, so that they can rival me,” he said.