Japan Sumo Association to Discuss Hoshoryu's Potential Yokozuna Promotion

The judges' division of the Japan Sumo Association is set to meet on Sunday, prior to the last day of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, to evaluate whether Hoshoryu should be promoted to yokozuna if he manages to win the tournament despite his current standing. Sources indicate a split among judges; some believe that a championship win should warrant promotion, while others question it due to Hoshoryu's losses to lower-ranked wrestlers.

Going into the final day, Kinbozan from Kazakhstan leads the tournament with a record of 12-2, while Hoshoryu is positioned at 11-3 alongside his fellow wrestler Oho. Hoshoryu has struggled to claim a title over the past eight tournaments following his championship win in July 2023, which marked his ascension to ozeki status two months later. His previous performance included missing three days at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament and only managing a close 8-7 record at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.

Some judges have expressed the opinion that even if Hoshoryu secures the championship, it may be prudent to wait for at least one more tournament before considering his promotion. Additionally, the sumo fraternity has recently seen the retirement of its sole yokozuna, Terunofuji, who has been plagued by injuries.