HOME AFTER SETTING SUMO RECORD
Mongolian yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho M.Davaajargal recently broke the sumo record for most career wins with 1,050 wins after Nagoya Basho (July grand sumo tournament).
He returned home on July 24 and his family, friends, and new State Lion of Mongolia Ts.Sodnomdorj welcomed him at Chinggis Khaan International Airport.
Below is an interview with Hakuho M.Davaajargal about his new record.
Congratulations on winning Nagoya Basho and setting a new sumo record for most career wins. How are you feeling?
I was aiming to defeat yokozuna Harumafuji D.Byambadorj and take the 39th Emperor’s Cup of Nagoya Basho for sure. I motivated myself and worked very hard. As a result of this, I succeeded. I am very satisfied that I finished Nagoya Basho with 14 wins. I also surpassed former sumo wrestler ozeki Kaio’s 1,047 wins. I am very happy I returned home with a huge success.
Yokozuna Kakuryu M.Anand and Kisenosato left Nagoya Basho due to injury. However, there were so many powerful wrestlers. Please name the most challenging opponent you faced at this tournament?
Japanese sumo champion Kisenosato showed great success at recent tournaments. Powerful wrestlers were defeated in Nagoya Basho. I observed one thing from that. My father told me Mongolians endure cold weather, not hot weather. I think that’s true. Warm seasons require more power from an athlete. It is very important to balance physical energy and regulate nutrition. Nagoya Basho takes place during very hot weather. Kakuryu M.Anand, Kisenosato and other powerful wrestlers left Nagoya Basho. For me, I tried very hard and didn’t lose the lead throughout Nagoya Basho.
You have been appearing on the sumo dohyo (ring) for many years and broke many records. What are you planning to do in the future?
I have endless objectives. I have good memories about Japan. The Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games will be held three years from now. Mongolia first participated in the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games. My father brought home the first Olympic silver medal in 1968.
I am planning to seize more than 1,000 victories in makuuchi (top) division in the near future. There is no sumo wrestler who has won more than 1,000 times in the makuuchi division. I have so many objectives.
You always promise something and fulfill that promise. What promise will you give this time?
My wife once said to me, “If a person’s word is sharp, the mind is deep.” I promise to take my 40th Emperor’s Cup this year.
It is very nice to return home after the Naadam festival. New State Lion Ts.Sodnomdorj welcomed me at the airport. I will relax in my home country and go back to Japan.
The July grand sumo tournament takes place at the same time as Naadam festival. How did you spend Naadam?
I have to be very responsible during the first two days of Naadam festival. I don’t have a right to lose. I don’t feel excited during Naadam festival because I am in Japan. After this year’s Nagoya Basho, I felt very excited. Son of Mongolia has set the top sumo records in history. I remembered the time when I first stepped into the sumo world.
A little boy weighing 62 kg came to Japan and stepped into the sumo world. No one imagined that that boy would become me. I am very happy that I was born and raised in Mongolia. I promoted Mongolians’ power and dignity to the world. I will defend and improve on my success.
Most young sumo wrestlers are Japanese. Young Mongolian wrestler Terunofuji G.Gan-Erdene is competing in the top division, but many say that there are few Mongolian wrestler who will carry on your legacy. What do you think about this?
I was born in the city. I have not experienced hunger. But sometimes I felt hungry when I went to the countryside. I was very close to nature. I used to carry water and herd sheep while I was in the countryside. That gave me patience. Now, younger generations are not close enough to nature.
For me, I rely on Terunofuji G.GanErdene and Ichinojyo A.Ichinnorov. So many Mongolians are studying in sumo schools in Japan. That’s why I trust them.