Terunofuji is a ``sumo wrestler with both mind, technique, and body.''Yokozuna Deliberation Committee Chairman Yamauchi

The Grand Sumo Yokozuna Deliberation Committee was held, and chairman Masayuki Yamauchi highly praised Yokozuna Terunofuji, who won his ninth championship in his first tournament, saying, ``He is a sumo wrestler with both mind, technique, and body.''

The Yokozuna Deliberation Committee was held on the evening of the 29th at the Kokugikan in Ryogoku, Tokyo, and after the meeting Chairman Yamauchi held a press conference.

Regarding Terunofuji, who won his ninth championship in his first tournament after returning from a back injury after three tournaments, he said, ``He is a sumo wrestler with a combination of mind, technique, and body. All the committee members said that they were very impressed with the performance.''

Regarding ozeki Kirishima, who won last year's Kyushu tournament and challenged for promotion to yokozuna in his first tournament, he ended up with 11 wins and 4 losses. ``There was a sense of expectation that he would challenge for yokozuna again.'' .

As a general rule, the Yokozuna Deliberation Committee requires ``two consecutive Ozeki wins'' as a condition for recommendation to Yokozuna. "is required," the internal regulations stipulate.

Chairman Yamauchi said, ``If you win at a fairly high level at the next venue, or have a performance equivalent to a high-level championship, I think the Japan Sumo Association and the referees will evaluate you depending on your performance at the next venue.'' I expressed my personal opinion.

On the other hand, the Japan Sumo Association's refereeing department, which is in charge of discussions regarding yokozuna promotion, has indicated that Kirishima is expected to be restarted from the next tournament.

In addition, regarding Sekiwake Kotonowaka, who has secured promotion to ozeki, ``In addition to his dignified demeanor in the ring, his physique has grown considerably. He is also very positive about his approach to sumo, and hopes to win championships in the near future.'' And I think we have definitely gained a foothold to reach that goal.'' He expressed his expectations.

He then spoke about the prospect of becoming one of the four major wrestlers, saying, ``It means that the chance to become a yokozuna has opened up for anyone.It means that the dohyō has been improved and at the same time a very exciting competition has begun with wonderful wrestlers. Isn’t that so?”