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Associated Press

Japanese sumo officials are investigating claims that nine-time grand champion Harumafuji assaulted a lower-ranked wrestler, causing serious head injuries.
Japanese media reported that Harumafuji hit his fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in the head with a beer bottle at a party last month, fracturing his skull base and causing other injuries.
Harumafuji, who holds sumo’s highest ranking of yokozuna, appeared on Japanese television to acknowledge his role in the incident and express his remorse.
“I sincerely apologise for causing trouble,” Harumafuji said in Fukuoka, a southern Japanese city where the Kyushu Grand Sumo tournament is currently being held.

The Japan Sumo Association, which imposes rules on wrestlers, said 33-year-old Harumafuji will sit out the 15-day Kyushu event, which started on Sunday, while the investigation takes place.
The grand champion visited the victim’s stable to offer a personal apology.
The news has dominated Japanese television talk shows and evening newspapers as the nation expressed its shock at claims against a yokozuna, whose behaviour in sports and society is expected to be exemplary.
Born Davaanyam Byambadorj, Harumafuji debuted in 2001 and has won the championship nine times, with his most recent victory at the autumn tournament in September. He was promoted to yokozuna in 2012.

The incident is the latest scandal to rock the sport of sumo in recent years following investigations into hazing and match-fixing.
In 2010, then-yokozuna Asashoryu, also from Mongolia, retired from the sport after claims he had attacked a man outside a Tokyo nightclub during a tournament.
In June 2007, a stable master and his three wrestlers were convicted over a bullying-death of a 17-year-old junior wrestler.


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Japan

Sumo scandal: grand champion Harumafuji faces inquest after claims of beer bottle assault on fellow wrestler

Sumo grand champion Harumafuji looks at the ground as he leaves after visiting wrestler Takanoiwa’s stable master’s quarters in Tagawa, southwestern Japan, to offer an apology. Photo: AP

Mongolian sumo grand champion Harumafuji speaks to journalists after morning training for the ongoing Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Dazaifu, southwestern Japan, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2017. Japanese sumo officials are investigating allegations that Harumafuji hit his fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in the head with a beer bottle at a party in October, fracturing his skull base and causing other injuries. (Kyodo News via AP)

Grand champion Harumafuji (facing camera) loses to rank-and-filer Takakeisho on the second day of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka on Nov. 13, 2017. The Japan Sumo Association held an emergency meeting the next day, following allegations that Harumafuji assaulted fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa in late October outside the ring. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Japan ends painful wait for local-born sumo grand champion

Japanese sumo wrestler Kisenosato smiles as he holds a red sea bream in a formal ceremony to notify him of his promotion to the pinnacle of Japan's ancient sport. Photo: AP

Japanese sumo wrestler Kisenosato speaks to the media after receiving messengers from the Japan Sumo Association bringing official notice of his promotion to Yokozuna, or grand champion, at a ceremony in Tokyo, Japan, January 25, 2017. REUTERS/Toru Hanai

Ozeki Kisenosato, left, pushes Mongolian grand champion Hakuho out of the ring during the final day bout of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan sumo hall in Tokyo Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. Kisenosato, who had secured his first championship victory on Saturday, finished the 15-day tournament with 14-1 win-loss records. (Takumi Sato/Kyodo News via AP)

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Harumafuji, who holds sumo’s highest ranking of yokozuna, visits victim’s stable to offer a personal apology with Japan in shock
