Yokozuna Hakuho Will Not Compete In The Aki Basho

Bruce H Aki Basho 2017, Hakuho (白鵬), injury, Kyujo (休場),
Sumo Grand Champions Celebrate The New Year
TOKYO, JAPAN – JANUARY 08: Sumo Grand Champion Hakuho Sho performs ‘Dohyo-iri’ (ring purification ritual) during Dezuiri ceremony at the Meiji Shrine on January 8, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan. It is a custom for Sumo Grand Champions to celebrate the new year by performing the ritual at the Meiji Jingu Shrine. (Photo by Keith Tsuji/Getty Images)

As expected, injured Yokozuna Hakuho will not compete in the Aki basho in Tokyo, as was announced minutes ago. Definitive word came via the NHK news web site.

Hakuho has been nursing an injured left knee since the Nagoya basho, but it has been getting steadily worse. This is the same knee that had surgical repair during September of 2016. The repairs seemed to have worked for a time, but now the pain, swelling and stiffness has returned.

We wish Hakuho good fortune and a speedy recovery.

His withdrawl leaves Harumafuji as the only Yokozuna who will start the Aki basho on Sunday.

2 thoughts on “Yokozuna Hakuho Will Not Compete In The Aki Basho”

  1. Ah, yappari.

    The earlier reports mentioned that it has been 18 years since the last time two yokozuna were full kyujo from the same basho. I wonder if there is a precedent for three.

    Reply

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