Britain is set to go Sumo crazy as the iconic sport returns to the UK for the first time in more than three decades. The Grand Sumo Tournament will take place in London’s Royal Albert Hall next October.
Sumo wrestlers Kitanowaka Daisuke and Fukutsuumi Akira, who are due to compete, grappled outside the iconic London venue after the announcement. It will be only the second time a professional Sumo wrestling event is held outside of Japan in the sport’s 1,500-year history, with the first taking place at the same venue in 1991.
Top wrestlers will compete in front of a live audience in a bid to win the coveted title of grand champion during the five-day “basho” tournament. TV firms are set to battle for the rights and organisers expect it will send Britain Sumo crazy.
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(Image: Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)
Although they insist the purpose is not to “recruit” strong European fighters, they say if any would-be Sumos feel inspired they can introduce them to trainers.
James Aiscough, the head of the Royal Albert Hall, said: “Good things come to those who wait. This will be a historic occasion, and an incredible week of sport, athleticism, and culture.”
(Image: Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)
The last tournament became a “national moment”, he said. He added: “People talked about it in the workplace. You could see kids acting it out in playgrounds.”
The venue boss said he hopes it will be a “moment where we can all grow close together” in “this divided world”. He added: “Even if it doesn’t become another national sport in the UK, we still learn something and we can still be inspired. I am really excited to see the impact that Sumo can have on hearts and minds in this country.”
(Image: Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)
Hakkaku Rijicho, chairman of the Japan Sumo Association and the winner of the 1991 tournament, said: “I am very honoured to be back in England.”
He said he visited a British school this week where he introduced the Sumo wrestlers to some rugby players, adding there were “lots of students with potential”.
(Image: Humphrey Nemar/staff Photographer.)
And although he said it is “not a simple road” to become a Sumo wrestler, if anyone has a “strong interest” he is “welcome to the idea”.
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