Ukrainian Sumo Wrestlers Face Off for the First Time in January Grand Sumo Tournament

The January Grand Sumo Tournament marked a historic moment for Ukrainian athletes as two wrestlers, Shishi (Serhii Sokolovskyi) and Aonishiki (Danylo Yavhusishyn), faced off in the prestigious Juryo division. This was the first time in sumo history that two Ukrainians competed against each other at this level.

This was reported by the Embassy of Japan in Ukraine on January 27.

Shishi emerged as the Juryo division champion with a 13-2 record, while Aonishiki secured 12 wins out of 15 matches.

Shishi, born in Melitopol, Ukraine, made his professional debut in 2020 and has steadily climbed the ranks, becoming the first Ukrainian to reach the top makuuchi division in 2024. Aonishiki, a 19-year-old rising star from Vinnytsia, began his sumo career in 2023 and has quickly gained recognition for his skill and determination.

The January Grand Sumo Tournament (Hatsu Basho) is one of the six annual sumo tournaments, or honbasho, held in Japan. It traditionally takes place in Tokyo at the iconic Ryōgoku Kokugikan, the main sumo arena, usually from January 8 to 22.

Previously on January 11–12, the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) organized the country’s first-ever amputee football tournament for amateur teams, titled the ‘Winter Cup of the League of the Mighty.’