Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn made history on Sunday, becoming the first from his country to claim a major sumo championship.
The 21-year-old, who fled Ukraine three years ago after Russia’s invasion, won the Kyushu tournament after a decisive tie-breaker against Mongolian grand champion Hoshoryu.
Competing under his ring name Aonishiki Arata, Yavhusishyn spoke fluent Japanese during his victory interview at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
“I am happy that I am able to achieve a goal of mine,” he said.
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Yavhusishyn’s rapid rise in sumo has drawn attention. NHK reports that the Japan Sumo Association will soon consider promoting him to ozeki, the second-highest rank below yokozuna.
He arrived in Japan as a teenager with no knowledge of the language, having first sought refuge in Germany after leaving Ukraine in the wake of the February 2022 invasion. Despite these challenges, he reached sumo’s upper divisions within a year and achieved promotion to the fourth-highest rank.
Born in central Ukraine, Yavhusishyn began practicing sumo at seven and became a national champion at 17. He narrowly avoided military conscription and went on to become the second Ukraine-born professional sumo wrestler, debuting in July 2023.
“I am happy (now) but there is one higher status. I want to work toward that,” he added, signaling his ambition to reach the sport’s top.