Yokozuna Terunofuji, the highest-ranked sumo wrestler, will not be competing in this year’s Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament due to injuries to his left knee. As a result, he was not included in the list of matches for the first day of the tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. This marks Terunofuji’s first absence from a tournament since the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, leaving the Autumn Tournament without a yokozuna.
The Japan Sumo Association announced the list of matches on Friday, confirming Terunofuji’s non-participation. His stablemaster Isegahama revealed that Terunofuji had informed him about his decision to sit out this tournament. According to Isegahama, Terunofuji was unable to adequately prepare his body in time for the competition due to injuries sustained during the summer tour.
Terunofuji’s absence is a significant blow for sumo fans who were looking forward to seeing him compete in this prestigious event. However, it is crucial for athletes to prioritize their health and recovery when faced with injuries that hinder their performance.
Without a yokozuna participating in this year’s Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, other wrestlers will have an opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially make an impact on the leaderboard. The absence of such a prominent figure adds an element of unpredictability and excitement to the competition.
As fans eagerly await updates on Terunofuji’s condition and future participation, they can still look forward to witnessing thrilling sumo matches throughout the duration of this tournament.
