FUKUOKA/TOKYO, Japan - (Reuters) - A probe into an assault by a sumo grand champion against a junior wrestler threatens to stain the image of Japan's ancient national sport just as its popularity was recovering from previous scandals and a shrinking fan base. Kisenosato became the first home-grown grand champion in 19 years, during which sumo had trouble attracting native sons to an arena dominated by foreign-born wrestlers. Police are also investigating the incident after former grand champion Takanohana, who is Takanoiwa's "oyakata" (the wrestler's coach and stable master), filed a complaint. Only one grand champion, Mongolian Hakuho, remains in the current tournament, the last of six held each year. "Becoming a yokozuna is such a hard thing and Harumafuji did it," said homemaker Akemi Kobayashi, a 52-year-old sumo fan.

Source: The Star November 21, 2017 06:56 UTC