Sumo wrestlers in Japan have been banned from growing “indecent” beards. There is new rule on grooming and appearance.
Officials have introduced the crackdown:
“The sumo ring is sacred and it’s important spectators don’t see anything unsightly,” Japan Sumo Association (JSA) elder Oguruma said.
“The dohyo ring is sacred. I want the people to feel good when they watch the sport,” he added.
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“It’s an important point so we must absolutely adhere to it,” said grand champion Kakuryu.
Sumo officials have called beards “indecent”, reports BBC. The sports image should be “cleaned up”, following a series of scandals in recent years.