Sumo wrestling’s shady side revealed
Nagoya, Japan – Sumo is not an ordinary sport in Japan. For Japanese, sumo is a fortress of traditions, a national pride and it is like a religion. Sumo wrestlers are not only athletes, for others they are symbols, role models and real life heroes.
Nonetheless, some of these wrestlers were getting broken because of the involvement on illegal business, puffing marijuana and breaking some bones due to drunken fights. These days, it is like a daily routine for them.
In a recent investigation done by the police, they exposed the sport’s engagement with the yakuza, violence outside the ring and use of different prohibited drugs, making the representation of a sumo filthy and a disgrace.
Meanwhile, Japan’s public broadcaster, has cut off its continuing tournament from the air, first time since 1953 because of the sumo’s remorseless humiliation.
Many sponsors have backed-out and fans are waiting far in hordes. The tournament, which is 15 days away and where places are only half full, officers are waiting at entrances with a sign saying “Gangsters Keep Out.”
Kotomitsuki, a professional sumo wrestler, who ranked second, revealed that he gambled on professional baseball. Eventually, he was extracted by gangsters that gave him a warning to go public. Almost immediately after that incident, Otake, who is a coach and also former wrestler, wept publicly after he admitted that he was in debts of about $50,000 because of betting.
The two wrestlers were sidelined; likewise a dozen more were punished. An unparalleled top seven wrestlers are quitting from the tournament. A former public prosecutor took in charge with the association’s leader.
However, most of the sumo watchers state that the shame simply highlights a close affiliation sumo has had through the yakuza for many years now, a connection that is expected to carry on for another generation.
Short URL: http://www.sandiegonewsnet.org/?p=773
Posted by