Ukrainian Sumo Star Aonishiki Continues Strong Showing at nagoya Tournament
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By lucasfernandez, Staff
July 19, 2025
Nagoya – Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki secured another meaningful victory at teh Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Saturday, maintaining his position in the title race. The 21-year-old, competing as a No. 1 maegashira, defeated Mongolian komusubi Oshoma, marking his fifth win in seven matches against a field of elite wrestlers, including yokozuna adn the top three sanyaku ranks.
Aonishiki currently trails grand champion Onosato, who is participating in his debut yokozuna tournament, by one win. He is among a group of five wrestlers tied for the lead at Nagoya’s new IG Arena.
“I just went with how I felt, rather of watching my opponent’s moves,” Aonishiki commented on his push-out victory over oshoma.
In just his third tournament in the top-tier makuuchi division, Aonishiki has already achieved notable upsets, defeating ozeki Kotozakura on the opening day and stunning grand champion Hoshoryu two days later, following a loss to Onosato.
“We still haven’t reached the eighth day (the halfway point of the 15-day tournament),so it feels like the real battle starts now,” Aonishiki stated.
Aonishiki arrived in Japan in April 2022, with his home country engaged in conflict with Russia. He now speaks fluent Japanese.
During his fifth-day win against sekiwake Kirishima, Aonishiki sustained a strong thrust that resulted in bruising around his right eye.When asked about the injury, the wrestler, who is part of the Ajigawa stable, quipped, “I don’t care. I think I’ve become a more handsome man.”
Evergreen Insights
Sumo,Japan’s national sport,has a rich history dating back centuries.the sport involves two wrestlers, known as rikishi, attempting to force each othre out of a circular ring or “dohyo” or make them touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of their feet. The Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament is one of the six annual Grand Sumo tournaments held in Japan. The rankings within sumo, from highest to lowest, include Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi, and Maegashira.Aonishiki’s performance as a Maegashira against higher-ranked opponents highlights his rapid ascent and potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Aonishiki?
- Aonishiki is a rising Ukrainian sumo star competing in the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.
- What is Aonishiki’s current rank?
- Aonishiki is currently competing as a No. 1 maegashira.
- how many wins does Aonishiki have at the nagoya tournament?
- Aonishiki has five wins in seven matches at the Nagoya tournament.
- Who is leading the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament?
- Grand champion Onosato is one win ahead of Aonishiki, with five other wrestlers also leading the tournament.
- What is Aonishiki’s background?
- Aonishiki arrived in Japan in April 202
