Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn, competing under the ring name Aonishiki, has secured victory in an elite-level sumo tournament in Japan. This marks the first occasion an individual from Ukraine has won this championship.
Aonishiki, aged 21, arrived in Japan in 2022 at the age of 18, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. His recent achievement earns him the Emperor's Cup, making him the first Ukrainian to claim this title and the first European to do so in almost eight years.
He is currently a candidate for promotion to the Ozeki rank, the second-highest rank in professional sumo. If achieved, this promotion would represent the fastest ascent to the Ozeki rank in the sport's recorded history.
During the 15-day tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, Aonishiki finished with a record of 12 wins and three losses. He proceeded to win the championship play-off against Yokozuna grand champion Hoshoryu, a 26-year-old Mongolian wrestler.
In a post-victory interview, when asked about his satisfaction after three years in sumo, Aonishiki responded, "No, I think this is just the beginning."
The name Aonishiki includes the Japanese character for "blue," which references the Ukrainian flag.