'Shocked' A huge 192cm 176kg hit a 20-year-old student → But punishment with a soft bat "A general society would never have imagined..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Criticism is mounting against Haruo Terunofuji (43), a legend of sumo who caused a stir by punching his student. Even the Japanese Sumo Association reportedly decided to lower the level of punishment instead of severe punishment, and public opinion in the country exploded.

The Japanese media 'Sports Hochi' reported on the 9th that "the Japanese Sumo Association will hold an extraordinary board meeting in Tokyo today to discuss the disposition of Terunofuji for committing violence against his disciples."

In summary, the board of directors is expected to finalize the final disciplinary action based on the results of the investigation and disposition opinions of the association's ethics review committee.

Terunofuji, a native of Yokozuna, the highest grade in the sumo world, assaulted Hakunofuji, a 22-year-old student, at a drinking party in late February. The reason is that he acted rudely to a sponsor official. As a player, Terunofuji was 192 centimeters tall and had a monstrous physique of 176 kilograms.

Shortly after the incident, Terunofuji voluntarily reported to the association and apologized for "acting irresponsibly." In March, the association placed Terunofuji on leave during the regular tournament.

Initially, the Japanese sumo community announced a declaration of a break-up of violence in 2018, saying it would root out frequent acts of violence in the industry. Therefore, severe punishment was expected for Terunofuji. Heavy punishment seemed inevitable, as in the past, when he was demoted to the second rank for using abusive language and violence against his disciples.

However, 'Nikkan Sports' reported on the same day that "the association will not impose the worst severe punishment on Terunofuji, such as disciplinary dismissal or dissolution of his team." According to the report, the association decided to avoid severe disciplinary measures such as recommended resignation or dismissal, considering that there was no habit of violence and that he turned himself in.

Japanese fans are strongly protesting the association's soft punishment. Local fans' reactions in "Yahoo Japan" and others are cold. One Japanese fan pointed out, "It is too late to judge the incident that took place in February," adding, "In the past, other leaders were severely punished even though they did not touch themselves, but it is not fair to give lenient disposition to Terunofuji who directly wielded violence."

Another fan pointed out, "In the general society, putting perpetrators and victims in the same environment itself is a serious violation of regulations," adding, "To fulfill social responsibility, only the sumo community should not make exceptions and apply strict standards." In particular, there are many voices concerned that the victim student will retire without enduring retaliatory treatment due to the closed nature of the sumo world.

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*This content was translated by AI.