With his return to the second-highest ozeki rank virtually assured, the only thing that sekiwake Kirishima must wrestle with now is what to say when the promotion is made official on March 25.
“I haven’t thought about my commitment statement yet,” Kirishima said. “I would like to become a cool ozeki wrestler like my predecessor, the first Kirishima (his former stablemaster).”
Kirishima was demoted from the ozeki rank following the 2024 Summer Grand Sumo Tournament after injuries led to inconsistent performances.
But the 29-year-old Mongolian rebounded in the past year and a half, notching two strong tournament performances in a row before clinching the March 2026 Grand Sumo Tournament, his third Emperor’s Cup, in Osaka on March 21.
Kirishima held a news conference on March 23, the day after the spring tournament concluded when he finished with a 12-3 record.
Asked about returning to ozeki, he said, “I previously said ‘I’ll do my best,’ but it was a mountain that felt very distant, one that I couldn’t seem to climb. I’m glad I made it.”
He has been supported by the presence of his family during his climb back up the ranks.
He said his eldest daughter often asks him, “Daddy, is there any way to become stronger?’
So, Kirishima said, “I don’t want her to see me lose,” showing his fighting spirit.
Original Source: This article was originally published on Asahi Sports. Click the link to view the full article.