Ozeki Takakeisho pulled out of the ongoing New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. The reason behind the shocking decision is the bad performance he’s putting in.
All this happens after the 24-year-old was chasing promotion to the sports’ highest rank of yokozuna.
The two-time Kyūshū basho winner has withdrawn from the tournament with a 2-7 record.
According to his stablemaster Tokiwayama, Takakeisho suffered an ankle injury on Day 3 of the 15-day meet at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, when he lost to No. 1 maegashira Hokutofuji.
Both grand champions, Hakuho and Kakuryu, have also pulled out of the New Year meet. Hakuho tested positive for the coronavirus in the lead-up to the event, while Kakuryu withdrew on opening day, citing lower back pain.