Sumo Comes to london: Historic Grand Tournament Begins at Royal Albert Hall
LONDON – A five-day Grand Sumo Tournament commenced today at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall,marking a landmark moment for the customary japanese sport and its growing international fanbase. The event,which sold out its roughly 27,000 tickets,represents the first time a full-scale sumo tournament has been held in the United Kingdom.
The tournament’s debut in London underscores sumo’s increasing global appeal, with organizers already planning a future exhibition in Paris scheduled for June of next year. This expansion aims to cultivate a wider audience for the sport, steeped in centuries of Japanese ritual and athleticism, and to share its unique cultural significance with the world. The opening ceremony included traditional prayers for the wrestlers’ safety and success, led by gyoji referees who purified the dohyo – the sumo ring – with sake.
Yokozuna Grand champion Hoshoryu expressed his astonishment at seeing a dohyo constructed within the Royal Albert Hall in an interview with NHK,stating his eagerness to compete in the historic venue. “I believe the audience will enjoy the bouts, too,” he added.
Enthusiasm among attendees is palpable. A 49-year-old fan who traveled from Hungary specifically to witness the tournament shared her excitement, noting her support for Hoshoryu and anticipation of seeing the wrestlers perform in such a renowned location. “the more tournaments I watch, the more rikishi I like,” she said, confirming she held tickets for both nights of the event.
Spectators also highlighted the personal connections they’ve made with the wrestlers. A London resident recounted a positive encounter with Hakuoho the day prior, declaring her support for him. Another attendee, a 41-year-old man from Leeds, was visibly moved, expressing his admiration for Tobizaru and the growing passion for sumo throughout England and europe. “There’s genuine passion for it around in England,in Europe,” he stated,adding that he intends to attend the Paris exhibition.
The tournament is expected to further elevate sumo’s profile internationally, building on recent gains in popularity and solidifying its place as a captivating global sport.
