Japan's 'bad boy' sumo champ makes stunning comeback
Updated
He's known as the 'bad boy' of sumo wrestling...a man who was once disqualified for pulling the hair of an opponent, had allegations of match-fixing levelled against him, and he's the first grand champion in the sport's two-thousand year history to be suspended.
But chronic injury, not controversy, was expected to end the career of the mighty Mongolian Asashoryu, regarded by many as one of history's greatest 'yokozuna' or grand champions. However, in one of the most stunning comebacks seen in this sport, Asashoryu has conquered every wrestler brought before him to win the Tokyo grand tournament.
Presenter: Mark Willacy
Speakers: Asashoryu, Sumo wrestler
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MARK WILLACY: At a relatively svelte 148 kilograms Asashoryu is hardly the heftiest sumo, but inside the ring the Mongolian makes up for his lack of bulk with a merciless combination of lightning speed, brute strength, and unrivalled cunning.
However a chronic elbow injury had done what his fellow sumo failed to do - knock Asashoryu out of three straight tournaments.
(Asashoryu speaking)
"My body has taken a hell of a beating," says Asashoryu." You must remember that I am not a machine," he says.
(Sound of Asashoryu breathing heavily)
Asashoryu looked and sounded nothing like a fighting machine in his last training session before the Tokyo grand tournament.
In front of Sumo Association officials, the Mongolian stumbled, slumped, and slipped his way through 16 practice bouts, losing 10 of them.
But was this a genuine form slump or a wily display of deception? Because from day one of the Tokyo tournament, Asashoryu charged into his opponents with a bestial fury.
(Sounds of sumo match)
For 14 straight days the Mongolian slammed, shoved, and slapped down every challenger.
After 15 days it came down to a play-off bout against Mongolian countryman and fellow grand champion, Hakuho.
(Sounds of sumo match)
The explosive duel lasted 14 seconds. Asashoryu's victory has stunned Japanese sumo fans, most of who thought his elbow injury would end his glittering career.
But his comeback victory ensured massive TV ratings and a sold-out tournament.
(Male speaking)
"Sumo's popularity was in decline," this fan tells me, "but since Asashoryu came along people have become more interested in it again," he says.
But many Japanese had been hoping to see the back end of Asashoryu, accusing the Mongolian of sullying the sport of sumo.
(Male speaking)
"I hate Asashoryu," says this enthusiast. "He has no dignity, he is arrogant," he says.
Asashoryu may be the only man in sumo history to win all six grand tournaments in a single year, but he also holds the dubious honour of being disqualified for pulling the top knot of an opponent and then brawling with him in the communal baths after the bout.
He was also suspended for skipping a tournament to play in a charity soccer match in Mongolia and he's the first yokozuna to go to court, suing a magazine over claims he accepted money to throw matches.
But despite injury and indiscipline outside the ring, inside it Asashoryu has once again proved he's all but invincible.
(Asashoryu speaking)
With tears streaming down his bulbous cheeks, the champion thanks the crowd. "I am back," he declares.
(Crowd cheering)
