InsideJapan News Network

A mastered Japanese sumo wrestler has finally broken the world record for wins at 38 years of age.

Competing in the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, Ozeki Kaio managed to make it into the record books despite three consecutive losses on the first day of the competition, the Mainichi Daily reported.

Kaio topped Yokozuna Chiyonofuji's record with 1,046 wins today, overcoming persistent injuries and back complaints that have dogged his whole career.

At the age of 15, Kaio joined the Tomozuna Stable, where tough training regimes caused the athlete to flee the stable on graduation day. All new wrestlers are expected to attend the facility for the first six months of their training.

Stablemaster and former sekiwake Kaiki, Tomozuna, told the paper: "I waited for him to be interested in sumo. He became serious about sumo around the time he became sandanme (one rank below the makushita division)."

Japan has also made headlines this week in rugby and women's football news.

The Brave Blossoms clinched the Pacific Nations Cup from Tonga yesterday, while the women's football team face the US in the World Cup Final on Sunday 17th July.

Written by Graham McPherson