The sumo wrestler Goeido said there were no questions about his choice to hang up his mawashi, because he had failed in a do-or-die promise to himself. As we all know – the tradition is highly integrated in this sport.
Goeido said he made the decision the day he suffered his eighth loss at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament, when his demotion to the third-highest sekiwake rank was assured.
“I feel like I’ve gone the distance. I’m good with myself,” said Goeido.
He drew the curtain on a 15-year career in which he won one Emperor’s Cup.
“A few years back, I promised myself I’d retire when I fell from ozeki rank. So there was no doubt in my mind. I may be selfish in this decision but I’m retiring,” he said.
大関 豪栄道関が引退‥
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
まだ、力士でいて欲しい#豪栄道 #相撲 #伊藤秀雄 #スポーツトレーナー pic.twitter.com/9jyAKvEMLI
— 伊藤秀雄 hideo ito トレーナー (@ito_dmjadm) January 27, 2020
The 33-year-old rikishi, whose real name is Gotaro Sawai, will continue to be involved in the sport through a support role. He will be running and coaching junior wrestlers in the Sakaigawa stable.
“He never whines. He’s got more guts than any man I know,” his stablemaster Sakaigawa said.
Goeido’s retirement ceremony is scheduled for January next year, after the New Year tournament. His career record includes 696 wins, 493 losses and 11 special prizes.
