Japan Today: Asashoryu to make triumphant return to Mongolia

["Rowan Klein" <rowanchan@hotmail.com>]

http://www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=6&id=248337

Asashoryu to make triumphant return to Mongolia

Wednesday, February 5, 2003 at 09:30 JST
TOKYO ? Newly promoted yokozuna Asashoryu will make a short visit back to 
his native Mongolia next week, his stablemaster Takasago said Tuesday.

Asashoryu is expected to get a hero's welcome during the Feb 10-14 trip 
after sealing successive titles at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament last 
month and becoming the first-ever Mongolian to reach sumo's highest rank.

A huge star in his homeland, the 22-year-old has also earned plaudits from 
Mongolian President Natsagiin Bagabandi as well as Japanese Prime Minister 
Junichiro Koizumi for his achievements.

His promotion, coupled with the retirement of Takanohana, has ushered in a 
new era for sumo with both yokozuna now foreign wrestlers. Samoan-born 
Musashimaru is the other active grand champion. (Kyodo News)





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