Sumo Legend Wows Fans in Kazakhstan with Rare Masterclass

Legendary sumo champion Hakuho Sho, the 69th yokozuna and widely regarded as the greatest sumo wrestler in history, has captivated audiences in Kazakhstan's capital Astana with a rare public appearance and hands-on masterclass.

The event began with a tribute video highlighting Hakuho's remarkable career, followed by his address to the audience, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.

He shared his inspiring journey - from arriving in Japan as a 15-year-old Mongolian teenager weighing just 62 kilograms and unable to speak Japanese, to becoming a record-breaking yokozuna through sheer determination and discipline.

Hakuho, born Davaajargal Mönkhbayar in 1985, became the fourth foreign-born sumo wrestler to achieve the sport’s highest rank in 2007. Over his illustrious career, he earned 45 tournament victories, more than 1,000 wins, and left a legacy as the most dominant rikishi in the history of sumo. He retired in 2021 but remains an influential figure in the sport.

The event was also attended by Dorzh Bayarkhuu, Ambassador of Mongolia to Kazakhstan, and Yasumasa Iijima, Ambassador of Japan. Both praised the role of sports diplomacy in strengthening cultural and regional ties. Hakuho honored the diplomats by presenting them with personally written calligraphy as a gesture of respect.

Organizers used the occasion to introduce plans for the World Sumo Grand Slam, scheduled for 2027, which aims to bring together around 1,600 athletes from across the globe. They expressed hope that Kazakhstan would play an active role and emphasized sumo’s values of respect, discipline, and spiritual strength. The ultimate vision is to promote sumo on the global stage - and eventually secure its inclusion in the Olympic Games.

The highlight of the event came when eight local volunteers entered the dohyo (sumo ring) for a live demonstration. Under Hakuho’s expert guidance, they participated in warm-ups, practiced basic techniques, and even faced off in friendly bouts with the champion, who surprised the audience by performing full splits, showcasing his legendary flexibility.

The session concluded with photo opportunities, leaving attendees with lasting memories of an unforgettable cultural exchange.

In related news, Kazakh wrestler Ersin Baltagul, known professionally as Kinbozan Haruki, recently made history by earning a significant victory at the Emperor’s Cup in Tokyo - a moment that signals Kazakhstan’s growing presence in the international sumo scene.