(CNN) In a blow for fans of sporting stubble, Japanese sumo officials have shown their razor sharp intent by banning wrestlers from growing beards. A number of superstitious sumo wrestlers choose not to shave their beards during competition, believing that such a move would bring about bad luck. Sumo wrestlers have been told to lose the beards by the sport's governing body. "Wrestlers must preserve their personal hygiene," Japan Sumo Association elder Oguruma told reporters after a board meeting. The sumo ring is sacred and it's important spectators don't see anything unsightly."

Source: CNN February 27, 2019 09:33 UTC