Danylo Yavhusishyn has become the first Ukrainian to win a sumo tournament in Japan .

The 21-year-old, who fled the war in Ukraine three years ago, won the Kyushu tournament after a tie-breaking victory over grand champion Hoshoryu from Mongolia. Sumo wrestling at the Royal Albert Hall – picture essay Read more

Yavhusishyn, whose ring name is Aonishiki Arata, addressed fans in fluent Japanese after his victory. He told fans at Fukuoka Kokusai Center that he was glad that he was able to compete to the best of his abilities.

“I am happy that I am able to achieve a goal of mine,” he said of his victory, which was also televised.

Yavhusishyn, who arrived in Japan three years ago after fleeing Ukraine, has climbed the sumo ranks at record speed. The Japan Sumo Association will soon

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