Harumafuji Kōhei, Mongolian sumo wrestler, the 70th Yokozuna

Harumafuji Kōhei, born Davaanyamyn Byambadorj on April 14, 1984, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, emerged as a prominent figure in the traditional Japanese sport of sumo. Prior to adopting his more famous ring name, he competed as Ama Kōhei. His journey in sumo culminated in reaching the sport's highest rank, becoming the 70th yokozuna, a title he held from 2012 until his retirement in 2017. This achievement placed him in an elite group, marking him as only the third Mongolian and fifth overall non-Japanese wrestler to attain sumo's pinnacle rank, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

Harumafuji’s path to the top began in 2001 when he made his professional debut. His natural athleticism and relentless training quickly saw him climb through the lower divisions. By 2004, he had reached the prestigious makuuchi division, the highest tier in professional sumo, where the sport's most powerful and skilled competitors vie for supremacy. Throughout his career, his prowess was recognized with ten special prizes – awards given for outstanding performance in areas like technique, fighting spirit, or for surprising upsets during a tournament.

Ascension Through the Ranks: Ōzeki and Yokozuna

A significant milestone in Harumafuji's career came in November 2008 when he was promoted to ōzeki, sumo's second-highest rank. This made him the seventh foreign-born wrestler in sumo history to achieve such an esteemed position, further solidifying the growing influence of international talent in a sport deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Just a few months later, in May 2009, he captured his first top division tournament championship, known as a honbasho, signaling his arrival as a true contender for sumo's ultimate glory. He would go on to win a total of nine top division championships, a remarkable feat, with three of these victories achieved with a perfect 15-0 record, showcasing his dominance and consistent performance at the highest level.

A Unique Yokozuna: Skill Over Sheer Size

What made Harumafuji particularly distinctive among his peers was his physical stature. At approximately 133 kg (293 lb) as of September 2015, he was notably one of the lightest wrestlers in the makuuchi division. While many sumo wrestlers rely on immense weight and brute force, Harumafuji distinguished himself through exceptional technical skill, agility, and strategic maneuvering. He was renowned for his diverse range of techniques, often outmaneuvering much heavier opponents with speed and precision rather than sheer power. His electrifying performances and unique style earned him a dedicated following and contributed to memorable rivalries, most notably with his fellow Mongolian yokozuna, Hakuhō, which captivated sumo fans for years.

Controversy and Retirement

Tragically, Harumafuji's illustrious career came to an abrupt end under controversial circumstances. In late October 2017, during a regional sumo tour, he admitted to assaulting fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa. The allegations sent shockwaves through the sumo world, a sport that values discipline, respect, and dignity above all else. Shortly after these revelations surfaced, Harumafuji withdrew from the November 2017 honbasho. The incident led to intense scrutiny and public outcry. On November 29, 2017, Harumafuji's stablemaster, Isegahama, submitted his letter of resignation to the Japan Sumo Association. This act, effectively an immediate retirement, brought a premature close to the career of one of sumo’s most technically gifted and engaging yokozuna, leaving a complex legacy of triumph and regret.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does "yokozuna" mean in sumo?

Yokozuna is the highest rank in professional sumo wrestling. It translates to "grand champion" and is a title not just for a single tournament but for life, representing the pinnacle of skill, strength, and integrity within the sport.

How rare is it for a non-Japanese wrestler to become yokozuna?

It is quite rare. Harumafuji was only the fifth non-Japanese wrestler in sumo history to achieve this rank, and the third from Mongolia, highlighting the exceptional dedication and ability required to master a sport deeply ingrained in Japanese culture and tradition.

What are "special prizes" in sumo?

Special prizes, known as "Sanshō" (Three Prizes), are awarded at the end of each honbasho (tournament) to wrestlers below the rank of ōzeki who have shown outstanding performance. These include the Shukun-shō (Outstanding Performance Prize), Kantō-shō (Fighting Spirit Prize), and Ginō-shō (Technique Prize).

What is the significance of "ōzeki" rank?

Ōzeki is the second-highest rank in sumo, just below yokozuna. It signifies a wrestler who is consistently performing at an elite level and is seen as a strong candidate for future yokozuna promotion, though achieving it requires sustained excellence over several tournaments.

What happened in the incident involving Takanoiwa?

In October 2017, during a regional sumo tour, Harumafuji admitted to assaulting fellow Mongolian wrestler Takanoiwa. The exact circumstances involved an altercation where Harumafuji reportedly used a remote control and his bare hands to strike Takanoiwa, leading to injuries and a significant scandal that ultimately resulted in Harumafuji's resignation from sumo.