Sumo is a traditional Japanese form of wrestling that is characterized by its unique rules and rituals. In sumo, two wrestlers, known as rikishi, compete in a circular ring called the dohyo. The objective is to force the opponent out of the ring or to make any part of their body other than the soles of their feet touch the ground. Sumo wrestling is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and includes various ceremonial aspects, such as officiating rituals, the wearing of distinctive mawashi (loincloths) by the wrestlers, and the presence of Shinto influences. It is not only a sport but also an important cultural event in Japan, often accompanied by traditional music and ceremonies. Sumo wrestlers are categorized into different rankings and divisions, with the highest rank being Yokozuna, a title awarded to exceptionally skilled and dominant wrestlers.
Danilo Yabugushishin, known as Aonishiki, is a 20-year-old Ukrainian refugee and new sekitori in Japanese sumo wrestling, inspiring hope and resilience amid his homeland's conflict. His debut at the Grand…