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Yokozuna Terunofuji has withdrawn from the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament opening Sunday, marking his absence from two straight meets.
The grand champion’s Isegahama stable made the decision Friday after his preparation was hampered by the knee pain and diabetes symptoms that saw him miss all of September’s Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament.
Yokozuna Terunofuji receives the Emperor’s Cup from Japan Sumo Association head Hakkaku after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament at Dolphins Arena in Nagoya, central Japan on July 28, 2024. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo
Terunofuji has not been listed on the match schedule set for the opening day of the 15-day meet at Fukuoka International Center.
He has only contested two full meets this year, the New Year tourney in Tokyo and July’s Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, winning both.
Terunofuji, sumo’s only current yokozuna, also withdrew due to injury after initially taking part in March and May following his ninth career title in January.
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