Akebono, the first foreign sumo wrestler to reach the top of the sumo world, has passed away at the age of 54, and condolences have been expressed in Japan.
Born Chad Rowan in Hawaii, the wrestler is considered a pioneer in breaking cultural barriers and becoming the first foreign athlete to compete in the centuries-old sport. Yokozuna 1993 Grand Champion.
He won 11 sumo tournaments, which are held six times a year, before retiring in 2001 and turning to K-1 and professional wrestling. Even though he was plagued by injuries, he finished runner-up in 13 other tournaments.
Citing a statement from the U.S. Forces in Japan, Japanese media reported that the sumo wrestler, who acquired Japanese nationality in 1996 and took the name Akebono Taro, died of heart failure this month.
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said he was “deeply saddened” by the news.
he said in some words post The wrestler, who was 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) tall and weighed 233 kg (514 lb) at his heaviest, was “a giant of the sumo world, a proud Hawaiian, and a bridge between the United States and Japan,” the X said. has been written.
“When Akebono became the first foreign-born grand champion in history…he opened the door for other foreign wrestlers to succeed in the sport.
“Throughout his 35 years in Japan, Akebono strengthened the cultural bonds between the United States and his adopted homeland by uniting us all through sports. His family, friends, and around the world I would like to express my deepest condolences to the sumo fans.”
Akebono, a familiar face on Japanese television, entered the sumo world in 1988 and is now the 64th generation. Yokozuna Won his first victory at the Tokyo New Year Tournament in January 1993. After he retired as a sumo wrestler in 2001, he became stable master.
one of the heaviest and tallest sumo wrestler, Or as a sumo wrestler, Konishiki, a Hawaiian giant like Akebono in the history of the sport, weighing 287 kg, started a steady stream of foreign sumo wrestlers, including five. Yokozuna Originally from Mongolia.
Many sumo fans will remember Akebono’s fierce rivalry in the 1990s with Takanohana and Wakanohana, popular Japanese brothers and sumo aristocrats who later became grand champions.
Akebono is survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons.
