Danylo Yavhusishyn, known in the sumo arena as Aonishiki, has made history as the first Ukrainian to win an elite-level sumo tournament by claiming the Emperor’s Cup. Yavhusishyn arrived in Japan at the age of 18 in 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At 21, he also becomes the first European to win the championship in nearly eight years.
During the recent 15-day tournament held in Fukuoka, Japan, Aonishiki achieved a record of 12 wins and three losses. He secured his title by defeating Hoshoryu, a 26-year-old grand champion from Mongolia, in the championship play-off. Following this victory, Aonishiki is on the brink of a promotion to the rank of Ozeki, which would mark one of the fastest promotions in sumo history.
In an interview after the award ceremony, he was asked if he felt satisfied with his achievements after three years in sumo. His response indicated a forward-looking perspective: “No, I think this is just the beginning.”
The sumo ring name Aonishiki translates to include the Japanese character for “blue,” symbolizing a connection to the Ukrainian flag. This victory not only highlights Yavhusishyn’s individual achievements but also raises questions about the representation of Ukrainians in sports and the broader implications of his accomplishments on cultural recognition and integration.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/cp84m625d33o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss