Sumo grand champ ‘facing police probe’

TOKYO: A sumo grand champion may face a police probe into the alleged assault of a junior wrestler, authorities said yesterday, as more details emerged of a scandal that has rocked Japan’s national sport.

Mongolian “yokozuna” (or grand champion) Harumafuji is alleged to have smashed a beer bottle over a fellow wrestler’s head and hit him repeatedly after the younger man pulled out his smartphone while he was speaking to him.

Headlines screaming “arrest” and “retirement” were splashed over the front pages in the sumo-obsessed country, as the 33-yearold is likely to have to step down from his lofty position if charged.

A spokesman for the sumo association told AFP that a police report had been filed on behalf of the 27-year-old assaulted wrestler — Takanoiwa, also from Mongolia — by the fighter’s team.

The sumo association has set up a committee to investigate the issue but declined to comment further “until we find out the truth about the incident“, he said.

Police could not confirm they have received the report, but said: “It would be true if the victim’s side said so.”

“Generally speaking, police start probing the case when we receive a report,” said a spokesman, who declined to give his name.

The alleged assault took place last month when Mongolian wrestlers were relaxing over drinks after a tournament. According to several media reports, Harumafuji flew into a rage when Takanoiwa tried to take out his phone to take a call during a conversation. AFP