Ukranian Refugee to Fight the Top Sumo
- Chris Walsh
- Mar 21
- 1 min read
Aonishiki, a Ukranian sumo wrestler, will fight in the top sumo division this month. On the 12th day of the March tournament he is 9-3 (nine wins and three losses).
He is fighting at rank Maegashira #15 (one of the lowest ranks in the top division). Sumo wrestlers are ranked for each tournament (every two months). Wrestlers, called rikishi in Japanese, are demoted or promoted based on the previous tournament's performance. Only yokozuna cannot be demoted.
Danlyo Yavhusishyn, as he was born, took the name Aonishiki when he became a sumo wrestler in December 2022 (after arriving in Japan in April 2022). He trains at Ajigawa stable in Koto, Tokyo.
He has gained eight straight winning tournaments to get to the top division called makuuchi. Good luck!
refugee: 難民
sumo wrestler: 力士
top sumo division: 最高位の相撲、幕内
demoted or promoted: 降格または昇格
as he was born: 生まれたとき
He finished the tournament with a 11-4 winning record. He was one win short of the playoffs to decide the tournament champion! Onosato was the overall winner.