Sumo wrestling champion Harumafuji retires over karaoke assault allegations

Harumafuji performs a ring-entering ceremony at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo
AFP/Getty Images
Martin Coulter29 November 2017

A sumo wrestling champion is retiring following allegations that he assaulted a fellow wrestler, hitting him with the remote control of a karaoke machine.

Mongolian grand champion Harumafuji (born Davaanyam Byambadorj) quit ahead of a probe into his conduct by the Japan Sumo Association (JSA).

Isegahama, Harumafuji's training association, announced the the champion's retirement on Wednesday.

He said that Harumafuji "has caused great trouble to the association and the public" and that the grand champion bears responsibility.

Mr Harumafuji allegedly struck Mr Takanoiwa with his palms, fists and a karaoke machine remote control at a party in late October, fracturing his skull and causing other injuries.

The news has dominated Japanese television talk shows and evening newspapers for weeks as the nation expressed shock at claims against a yokozuna grand champion, whose behaviour in sports and society is expected to be exemplary.

Harumafuji debuted in 2001 and has won the championship nine times, with his most recent victory at the autumn tournament in September.

Mr Harumafuji was promoted to yokozuna, the sport's highest rank, in 2012. His retirement is the latest scandal to rock the sumo world.

In 2011, the JSA decided to cancel the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament after revelations that 14 wrestlers were involved with match-fixing.

In 2010, grand champion Asashoryu, also of Mongolia, announced his retirement following reports that he injured a man while intoxicated.

Additional reporting by the Press Association

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