Re: SUMO news: Yokozuna Review Committee

[Joe Kuroda <joe_kuroda@yahoo.com>]

--- Lukas Grossmann >
> I wonder how strictly this would be handled, should
> he
> really manage to last the whole Aki Basho. Somehow I
> can't
> imagine that he would be forced to retire after an
> 11-4
> or even 10-5.

According to the article, they stated "at least 12
bouts" and expect him to remain till the end or
retire.  

That seems to be a rather unreasonable request by the
Council.  After all Takanohana could get injured
somewhere else like his arm but they want him not to
take a kyujo anymore or retire.

More and more I think about this whole thing, this is
simply one reactionary move by the members.  It's to
do with all these kyujo rikishis this basho.  Some
media types were writing that no wonder rikishis were
going on kyujo so readily when the Yokozuna Council
was letting the top ranked rikishi off hook for
missing six straight bashos.      

But this is really an absurd view.  Anyone who has
seen Aogiyama or Kotonowaka leaving the dohyo this
basho knew there was no way they could come back the
next day whether the Yokozuna was on kyujo for six
bashos or not. 

But unfortunately now they all of sudden discovered 
this misguided the "Get Tough on Yokozuna on Kyujo"
policy and are marching to a different drummer.  It
could be the PR move by the Kyokai, saying to the
public, come back now and buy the tickets as you get
to see Yokozuna Takanohana live (but not necessarilly
alive).  All could see those empty seats at the Nagoya
on TV so they are now desparate to fill up the
Kokugikan.  
    
I have no problem accepting Takanohana just getting
one more win than his losses next basho.  It really
takes a time to regain the competitive dohyo sense and
edge.  He may no longer be what he was before the
injury but he can rebuild himself and get stronger if
given enough time.         

Everyone has been so patient for a year, why not give
him a little more time to become competitive.  I see
no reason to force him to retire if he cannot get 12
wins the next basho, eight will suffice.  But
Takanohana may decide to retire regardless if he
cannot win convincingly.         
 

=====
.....Jonosuke 
  <  Heart  Technique  Physique     ^ÐS   ^ËZ   ^ÑÌ  >

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