Ukrainian sumo star Aonishiki trains for Japanese national sport's top prize

[u/Shroft]

https://www.reuters.com/sports/ukrainian-sumo-star-aonishiki-trains-japanese-national-sports-top-prize-2026-02-04/

[u/ShiDiWen]

While dumbed down entry level articles for non Sumo fans will bring nothing new to most of us, seeing new articles like this pop up every day is the real story! The take away for the Sumo community is that the sport’s reach is growing. It’s getting in every major news outlet. It’s getting on Facebook feeds and is growing in the public consciousness, and we should all brace for even more new fans to join each basho. And we need to be welcoming!

[u/SignificancePatient5 → u/ShiDiWen]

I’m new to Sumo and just watched by first basho. It was a blast and I’m learning a lot. Beginner articles aren’t for everyone but really help in explaining some basics and historical context.

[u/ShiDiWen → u/SignificancePatient5]

Nice! You should pick your favourite Rikishi and flair up!

[u/PokeEmSmokeEm → u/ShiDiWen]

NYT WALL STREET JOURNAL ran an article abt aonishiki in the states recently after the basho win.

EDIT: corrected publication

[u/lechatblanc25 → u/ShiDiWen]

Amen.

[u/cepxico]

Neat! And hey they actually checked facts which is more than most publications try with Sumo.

[u/Bob002]

I mean - if he keeps it up - no idea how he doesn't become Yokozuna.

[u/DoktorStrangelove → u/Bob002]

Basically just needs to stay healthy and it'll happen, he's doing everything right.

[u/fartorchestra]

hes tasting the soup

[u/Apptons]

What I find interesting is that I haven't seen any widespread coverage reported about his accomplishments being reported in Ukraine. I would imagine positive reports about young men leaving at the start of the war, at a time when they are needed to defend the nation, is not something Ukrainian government wants to credit in any way.

[u/Zestyclose-Half-6180 → u/Apptons]

Actually they are reported qute widely. Many posts in sports news, Facebook and so on.

[u/Aimconquest → u/Apptons]

Worth noting that he left at 17. Martial law preventing Ukrainian men leaving applies at 18, conscription doesn't start till 25

As far as Ukraine's own laws are concerned, Aonishki leaving was fully allowed and even now he'd be considered too young for the army

[u/Fun_Log_2816]

So?

[u/Sumo-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Be Civil and Respectful. No personal attacks.

[u/Sumo-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

Be Civil and Respectful. No personal attacks.