Sumo: Ex-yokozuna Asashoryu has topknot removed+

TOKYO, Oct. 3 Kyodo -
Former Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu, who retired in February after
assaulting a man outside a Tokyo nightclub, had his topknot removed in a
ceremony at Ryogoku Kokugikan on Sunday.
Asashoryu, 30, performed his ''unryu'' style dohyo-iri ritual in the raised
ring for the last time, flanked by Mongolian wrestlers Asasekiryu and ozeki
Harumafuji, who served as the usher and sword-bearer, respectively.
Thousands of fans turned out to bid farewell to the 68th yokozuna, whose
popularity still remains strong even after leaving the sport. About 380 people
took snips from his oicho (ginko-leafed topknot) before his former stablemaster
Takasago cut it off.
''The fans cheered for me like it was the final day of a tournament after a
playoff. I couldn't be more thrilled. I was overwhelmed,'' Asashoryu said.
''The time I spent with Asasekiryu, who came with me from Mongolia, was very
meaningful. Sumo elder Kokonoe (former yokozuna Chiyonofuji), who was the
person I aspired to be like, also came. I feel nothing but appreciation.''
Asashoryu, who was known for his fiery brand of sumo and was often criticized
by the media and Japan Sumo Association for not upholding to the standards of
behavior expected from the highest rank, kissed the dohyo to show his
appreciation.
''I have put my life into this dohyo. The dohyo was an inseparable part of my
life and so important. I feel so much appreciation,'' he said.
Asashoryu won 25 Emperor's Cups, third on the all-time list. He was also the
first yokozuna ever to be suspended when he took part in a charity soccer event
in Mongolia, despite having withdrawn from a regional sumo tour claiming
injury.
''In another life as a Japanese, I would like to become a yokozuna with
Japanese spirit. I will move on to my next dream in life. I want to show
everyone that I can become a better person,'' he said.
Asashoryu, who fell short of the all-time record of 32 titles held by former
yokozuna Taiho, said he has no concrete plans for his future as for now.
''I have no idea. I will play around in my 30s and 40s. Life has a lot of
valleys and mountains,'' he said.
''I can't talk about it (32 wins) since I didn't achieve the record but that
was the biggest goal of my sumo career.''
==Kyodo
2010-10-03 23:48:04