Asashoryu Retirement Ceremony Held in Tokyo Options

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Asashoryu Retirement Ceremony Held in Tokyo


The retirement ceremony for Mongolian grand champion and 68th yokozuna Asashoryu (D.Dagvadorj) was held at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on October 3, 2010, had his topknot removed in the ceremony.

Mongolian Prime Minister S.Batbold, thousand of fans and friends from Mongolia, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, USA and Taiwan took part in that retirement ceremony.

Asashoryu performed his “unryu” style dohyo-iri ritual in the raised ring for the last time, flanked by Mongolian wrestlers Asasekiryu (B.Dashnyam) and ozeki Harumafuji (D.Byambadorj), who served as the usher and sword- bearer, respectively.

About 380 people took snips from his oicho (ginko-leafed topknot) before his former stablemaster Takasago cut it off. His countryman, 69th yokozuna Hakuho (M.Davaajargal) cut part of Asashoryu’s topknot during his retirement ceremony.

“The fans cheered for me like it was the final day of a tournament after a playoff. I couldn’t be more thrilled. I was overwhelmed,” Asashoryu said.

“The time I spent with Asasekiryu, who came with me from Mongolia, was very meaningful. Sumo elder Kokonoe (former yokozuna Chiyonofuji), who was the person I aspired to be like, also came. I feel nothing but appreciation.”
“I have put my life into this dohyo. The dohyo was an inseparable part of my life and so important. I feel so much appreciation,” he said.

“In another life as Japanese, I would like to become a yokozuna with Japanese spirit. I will move on to my next dream in life. I want to show everyone that I can become a better person,” he said.

“I have no idea. I will play around in my 30s and 40s. Life has a lot of valleys and mountains,” he said

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEe-UIvftUg