$word}-
SUMO/ Shishi becomes first Ukrainian rikishi in sport’s top division
By KENSUKE SUZUKI/ Staff Writer
October 29,brasil x senegal 2024 at 17:44 JST
- Share
- Tweet list
Shihi, left, shows off the latest wrestler rankings on Oct. 28 in Fukuoka after he was promoted to the top makuuchi division. (Kensuke Suzuki)
In a historic moment for Ukraine and the traditional sport of sumo, Shishi has become the first Ukrainian wrestler to grapple his way to the top makuuchi division.
“I’m so happy, I’m going to call my mom,” said the 27-year-old rikishi on Oct. 28 after the latest rankings of wrestlers were released ahead of the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, which starts Nov. 10.
Despite his imposing physique–standing 193 centimeters tall and weighing 171 kilograms–Shishi's ascent to the makuuchi division has been gradual.
It took him four and a half years from entering the sport to achieving the prestigious status.
His coach, stablemaster Ikazuchi, chuckled, saying, “It was slow, given his talent.”
Born Serhii Sokolovskyi in Melitopol, southern Ukraine, Shishi started wrestling at a young age and switched to sumo at 15.
He made his debut in Japan in the spring tournament of 2020.
Two years later, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, with Melitopol coming under Russian control.
As fierce fighting raged around the city, Shishi was unable to return home and relied on nightly video calls with his mother to stay connected.
Struggling to adapt to the Japanese language and culture during his first years in the country, Shishi often found himself alone in parks during his free time.
"I think he felt lonely," said Ikazuchi. "I tried to spend more time with him and told him he was part of the family."
Gradually, Shishi began to open up.
Now, Shishi spends most of his free time at Ikazuchi's home, helping with paperwork and playing with his stablemaster's children, whom he affectionately calls "brother" and "sister."
Since he began his sumo career in Japan, Shishi has been sending money home to his parents even during his days as a lower-ranked wrestler when his earnings were modest.
After his significant promotion, Shishi expressed his gratitude to his family in the war-torn country, vowing to continue supporting them.
"Right now, Mom and Dad are having a hard time, so I have to do my best. I’ll work hard, earn lots of money and send it to them," he said.
相关文章
「彼のゴルフを極めているというすごさを感じる」石川遼が同組の松山に最敬礼「いいところを見せたいなとか思う」
「彼のゴルフを極めているというすごさを感じる」石川遼が同組の松山に最敬礼「いいところを見せたいなとか思う」2024年11月15日 5時35分スポーツ報知◆男子プロゴルフツアーダンロップフェニックス第12024-11-16MLB/ Dodgers to flip Flaherty and Yoshinobu in rotation against rival Padres in NLDS
MLB/ Dodgers to flip Flaherty and Yoshinobu in rotation against rival Padres in NLDS THE2024-11-16踊り以外はすべてが不器用 、少年は能の世界へ導かれる サンデー新連載「シテの花」
「シテの花 -能楽師・葉賀琥太朗の咲き方-」扉ページ (c)壱原ちぐさ/小学館大きなサイズで見る全5件)「シテの花 -能楽師・葉賀琥太朗の咲き方-」より。 (c)壱原ちぐさ/小学館[拡大]ダンスボーカ2024-11-16「夏目友人帳」ニャンコ先生&斑のスワッグ 、花びらを貼り合わせてふんわり感を演出
「夏目友人帳 ニャンコ先生 スワッグ」大きなサイズで見る全7件)「夏目友人帳 斑 スワッグ」[拡大]魔除けと幸運を呼び込むアイテムとしてドイツから世界へ広がったスワッグ 。花や植物の葉を使って作られ 、ド2024-11-16Sports teams forced to battle toughest foe in climate change
Sports teams forced to battle toughest foe in climate change THE ASAHI SHIMBUNNovember 3,2024-11-16「妻 、小学生になる。スピンオフ」単行本化 、万理華の同級生・タケルの恋物語
「妻 、小学生になる 。スピンオフ」大きなサイズで見る同作は 、亡くなった新島家の妻・貴恵が生まれ変わり 、女子小学生・白石万理華の姿で戻ってきたことから始まるファミリードラマ「妻、小学生になる 。」のスピンオ2024-11-16
最新评论