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Hakunofuji (22, Isegahama stable) earned his first victory of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament on Day 2 at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, defeating Asanoyama by oshidashi (push out).
The bout initially went to Asanoyama when the gyoji (referee) raised his gunbai toward the maegashira. However, upon video review, it was determined that Asanoyama’s heel touched down first before Hakunofuji’s body landed, leading to a rare gunbai reversal and the win for the young wrestler. “I just wanted to charge in with full force. I was overthinking on the first day, which made me tentative,” Hakunofuji said, reflecting on his loss to Ura on the opening day.
Hakunofuji missed parts of the previous two tournaments due to a left foot injury sustained during the January basho. In February, he was involved in a drinking incident where he was heavily intoxicated and allegedly touched a female acquaintance’s thigh, resulting in a stern warning from the Japan Sumo Association chairman.
For this tournament, Hakunofuji debuted a new brown mawashi (loincloth). “I had a fortune-telling session. I’ve had injuries and other troubles, so the fortune-teller said brown is my lucky color,” he revealed.
On Day 3, Hakunofuji will face Kinezumi. “Tomorrow is a fresh start. I want to focus on producing my best sumo,” he said with determination.
