A Ukrainian refugee has turn out to be the primary individual from his nation to win an elite-level sumo event.
Danylo Yavhusishyn – identified by his sumo ring identify Aonishiki – arrived in Japan as an 18-year-old in 2022 after the Russian invasion of his nation.
Now aged 21, he’s the primary Ukrainian to say the prized Emperor’s Cup and the primary European in virtually eight years to take action.
He’s now on the verge of being promoted to the second-highest rank of Ozeki, in what could be the quickest promotion in historical past.
Aonishiki completed the 15-day event in Fukuoka, Japan, with a file of 12 wins and three losses and went on to win the championship play-off in opposition to Yokozuna grand champion Hoshoryu, a 26-year-old Mongolian who gained final month’s London event.
In his successful ceremony interview, Aonishiki was requested if he felt happy along with his outcomes after three years in sumo.
“No, I feel that is only the start,” he replied.
The identify Aonishiki comprises the Japanese character for “blue” – a reference to the Ukrainian flag.
