Takerufuji Triumphs in Historic Sumo Victory

Overcoming an ankle injury, Takerufuji becomes the first wrestler in over a century to win a top-division sumo tournament on debut.

Takerufuji, a 24-year-old from Aomori, clinched the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament with a 13-2 record, marking a historic win in his top-division debut.
Despite sustaining an ankle injury that required wheelchair assistance, Takerufuji defeated higher-ranked Gonoyama to secure the Emperor’s Cup.
Takerufuji's victory is the first for a wrestler in their top-division debut since Ryogoku in 1914, and the fastest since sumo adopted the current tournament schedule in 1958.
The achievement comes amid a challenging time for sumo wrestling in Japan, which has faced recent scandals and calls for modernization.
Takerufuji's win has sparked a wave of support and celebration, highlighting his determination and the support from his stablemaster and the sumo community.