InsideJapan News Network

Sumo wrestling champion Yokozuna Asashoryu has pulled out of the autumn tournament in Tokyo, it has emerged.

Asashoryu has opted to return to Mongolia to devote his time and efforts to recuperating and may also miss the tournament planned in November in Kyushu, the Mainichi Daily News.

The 28-year-old star has put in a request with the Japan Sumo Association for a four-week break after he was diagnosed with ligament problems on the inside of his left elbow.

Asashoryu said: "If I try and force this, I won't be able to succeed."

He added he wants to be in perfect shape before he returned to the ring.

Earlier this week, the newspaper reported three sumo wrestler had pleaded guilty to causing the death of fellow apprentice Takashi Saito at a public hearing, but their lawyers argued they were forced to obey their stablemaster in attacking him.



Related news stories:
Sumo star warned over drug injections (9th November 2011)
Pilot shows there's life after sumo (16th October 2008)
Top Japan sumo wrestler retires (6th October 2008)
Yokozuna Asashoryu suffers first-day sumo defeat (12th May 2008)
Former sumo star sports police badge (13th September 2011)