First japanese born sumo champ in 10 years 20160124 p5fx6w.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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First Japanese-born sumo champ in 10 years

AP

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Kotoshogiku has won the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament to become the first Japanese-born wrestler to win a championship in 10 years.

Kotoshogiku, whose real name is Kazuhiro Kikutsugi, beat fellow ozeki Goeido on Sunday to improve to 14-1 and secure the Emperor's Cup on the last day of the 15-day tournament.

Sumo, Japan's national sport, has been dominated by Mongolians during the past decade. The last Japanese-born wrestler to win a tournament was Tochiazuma, who won the New Year tournament in 2006.

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The sport hasn't had a Japanese grand champion since Takanohana retired in 2003.

Kotoshogiku beat current grand champions Hakuho, Harumafuji and Kakuryu on the way to winning the title. Mongolian Hakuho finished with a record of 12-3 after losing to compatriot Harumafuji.

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