Asashoryu Akinori, winner of 25 Emperor Cups, is planning to develop sumo wrestling in Almaty, Tengrinews reports citing the press-office of the Almaty Akimat (city administration).
Asashoryu Akinori, winner of 25 Emperor Cups, is planning to develop sumo wrestling in Almaty, Tengrinews reports citing the press-office of the Almaty Akimat (city administration).
He announced this intention during his meeting with the Akim (Mayor) of Almaty Akhmetzhan Yessimov in late April. There are many talented young people in Kazakhstan, and Almaty is on its way to become one of the world’s sports hubs, Asashoryu Akinori said.
Akhmetzhan Yessimov agreed that Almaty had good progress in many kinds of sports, including wrestling.
“Supporting and promoting sports is one of our priorities. That is why, we are interested in creating various training opportunities in our city, including those in sumo wrestling,” the Mayor said.
“There was a time when Mongolia became recognizable in the world thanks to my performances. Now, I would like to put all my efforts and experience into getting Kazakhstani sportsmen to glorify their country through this sport,” Asashoryu Akinori said.
Asashoryu Akinori arrived in Almaty on an invitation of Dauren Mussa, President of Bes Qaru (five weapons) Association, which aims to promote martial arts and educate people about the military culture of Kazakhstan and other countries.
Asashoryu Akinori is a former sumo wrestler, who was born in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He is the 68th yokozuna (the highest rank in sumo) in Japan and the first Mongolian ever to reach such status. Over his entire career, he won 25 Emperor Cups, which is the most prestigious competition in sumo wrestling, placing him the fourth in the history of sumo.