Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Not long now to Japan v South Africa, although after yesterday's demoltition of Ireland by New Zealand, it is hard to see anyone other than the All Blacks lifting the trophy. Swami

Ex-Masurao was another one who suffered injuries which in effect changed his career for the poorer, he injured his knee against both Konishiki and Onokuni (the two heaviest men at the time) and he never recaptured his '87 form as a result. An Enho-Ichinojo bout; it depends what Ichinojo turns up, if he turns up with a bit of fighting spirit, he should take care of Enho easily enough. But if, as is the case more often than not, he lumbers about with no fighting spirit at all, Enho will fancy his chances. Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Absolutely, and to be fair a lot of them do lose a lot of weight immediately after retirement. Swami

It just seems like rikishi are dying younger nowadays when, even taking into consideration the risks their lifestyles bring about, greater life expectancy rates should be increasing their lifespans. Swami

All the same, taken in context with the passing of Izutsu Oyakata, it highlights problems that perhaps sumo needs to address. Onomatsu was one of the very lightest during his career which was somewhat shortened by bad knee injuries. Perhaps there needs to be greater medical support for both active rikishi and oyakata. It doesn't bode well for future generations, today's generation features far fewer lightweights than in the 80s and 90s. Swami

Time will tell! Swami

Hearty salutations from the Swami! Swami

Swami

I'm just looking at the banzuke for the 1984 Aki Basho, and it is quite a sobering thought: All three Yokozuna passed away (Kitanoumi, Chiyonofuji & Takanosato_ One ozeki passed away (Hokutenyu) One sekiwake passed away (Sakahoko) Of the maegashira, Itai (ex-komusubi), Kurama (ex-sekiwake), Kitao (ex-Yokozuna Futahaguro) and Hachiya have passed away. That's a sizeable proportion. Swami

C'mon Ireland, let's win this World Cup! Swami

Very sad news, another fine talent from the 1980s has passed away. Swami