TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Ukrainian dynamo Aonishiki, who is aiming to become the fastest wrestler to reach the sport's top rank of yokozuna after the upcoming grand tournament, has never forgotten his humble beginnings after fleeing his war-torn homeland.
On New Year's Day this year, Aonishiki made the first shrine visit of the year together with his Ajigawa stablemaster, former sekiwake Aminishiki, to Ukahachimangu shrine in Tokyo's Koto Ward.
The shrine served as Ajigawa stable's makeshift training ground for about half a year after its launch in December 2022, when Aonishiki joined the stable.
Recalling the severe cold of the ring during morning training at the shrine then, Aonishiki said, "The stable got its start because there was a (sumo) ring here, and it allowed me to join. This is where I started."
Ajigawa said he plans to visit the shrine with Aonishiki every New Year's Day. "We've gone every year. This is our starting point, and it's where the year begins for both of us."
Aonishiki is set to begin his bid for yokozuna at the March 8-22 Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Edion Arena Osaka, just 16 tournaments after his debut. He is grateful to his stablemaster and stable.
Regarding his bid for the top rank, Aonishiki, who won consecutive championships including the January tournament, said, "My career won't be decided in a single tournament. I can try again and again."
If promoted, Aonishiki will surpass the record of 25 tournaments set by Mongolian former yokozuna Asashoryu in 2003. He could become the fastest wrestler to reach the top rank from the bottom division since the current six-tournament calendar was established in 1958.