The elite winter sumo wrestling tournament, which was held at the famous Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium in Tokyo for 11,000 spectators, has come to an end. Almaty resident Ersyn Baltagul was among the best in this competition.

Yersin Baltagul (Japanese nickname – Kinbozan Haruki) entered the top three in the highest (makuchi) division of the hatsu basho tournament. On the 14th day of the prestigious 15-day competition, the leading Kinbozan lost to Japanese wrestler Oho Konosuke in the final. In the final, the Mongolian wrestlers Hoshoryu, Oho, and Kinbozan, who were tied on points, put the championship on the line. Unfortunately, Yersin lost to both of his opponents and took 3rd place. Hoshoryu became the champion. Now Hoshoryu will hold the title of Yokozuna, the highest rank in sumo. This title has been awarded to only 74 wrestlers in history, and Hoshoryu will become the sixth Mongolian wrestler to be awarded the title of Yokozuna. By the way, this wrestler is the nephew of the famous Yokozuno Asasheoryu. It is worth noting that the people who supported Ersin Baltagul's participation in such a grand competition and successful performance were Asasheoryu Dagvadorj and domestic businessman Syrymbek Tau.

The Sumo Federation awarded our compatriots Kinbozan and Kirishima with a special award called "Kantyo-sho" (brave wrestler), and Oho with "Ginno-sho" (mastery).

"Thank you for your support. We did everything we could, we tried to become champions, but we were not successful. There are still many competitions ahead, and I believe that we will achieve great achievements. May the Kazakh people be blessed with the Japanese Emperor's Cup," says Ersin Kinbozan.

In 2023, Yersin Baltagul fought in the haru basho style and finished just outside the top four with a score of 11-4. However, last year, due to an injury, he was unable to show good results throughout the year and was relegated to the second-tier juro division. In December, Yersin became the champion in juro and was promoted back to the makuchi division. Our compatriot will be awarded high titles and financial rewards for his achievement this time - entering the top three. His rating will increase and he will be promoted to a new rank. A specific decision on this will be announced by the Japan Sumo Federation in the near future. 

Source: egemen.kz