'A massive 148kg frame' could not withstand the strain, 'just 29 years old' faces crisis of early retirement: "Below average weight..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Hoshoryu (27), who reached the highest rank in Japanese sumo, yokozuna, but has never won a tournament once, is facing an early retirement crisis due to complications from knee surgery. His participation in the autumn tournament, which opens at Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan, remains uncertain, pushing him to the brink.

Japanese media outlet 'Sports Hochi' reported on the 5th that "Hoshoryu's participation in the autumn tournament has been delayed until recently after he withdrew from the July Nagoya tournament and underwent surgery on his right knee."

Hoshoryu's mentor, Tatsunami Oyakata, stated, "He cannot participate unless he is fully recovered. There is no change in our view that he must be completely treated. We will continue to monitor his condition closely," adding that the decision on participation would be made just before the tournament begins.

Recently, Hoshoryu was unable to participate in actual sparring during training. It is reported that he only showed up at the stable and then immediately went to the hospital. Tatsunami explained, "Hoshoryu said he still has pain. As a yokozuna, he must be in a condition where he can compete for the championship when participating."

Previously, Japanese media outlet 'Sanspo' analyzed that Hoshoryu should take a full break from this tournament to avoid retirement. The outlet stated, "After undergoing surgery on his right knee's medial collateral ligament on July 29, Hoshoryu said his muscles have atrophied significantly and need to be rebuilt," and pointed out, "Given his current condition, there is no need for him to force himself to participate."

The outlet particularly focused on Hoshoryu's weight. It explained, "Hoshoryu weighs 148kg, which is less than the first-division average of 157.8kg," and added, "Fighting against large-sized wrestlers with a body weighing only 148kg inevitably places significant physical strain on him, leading to continuous injuries in his elbows, knees, hamstrings, and other areas."

It further noted, "Wakanohana III, who was among the lightest yokozuna at around 130kg, was also forced into retirement at age 29 after frequent injuries and extended absences," citing a past case.

Even 'Sanspo' pointed out, "Since the championship system was established in 1909 and six annual tournaments became fixed in 1958, only two yokozuna have failed to win a single tournament during their reign," and added, "Hoshoryu has now surpassed Kakuryu's record of nine tournaments without a win—the latest first championship among Mongolian-born yokozuna—meaning he has gone nine tournaments since promotion to yokozuna without securing a single victory."

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*This content was translated by AI.