Asashouryuu injured-keiko news Natsu 2008

[Kintamayama 44,345]

Asashouryuu has a pulled left calf muscle and was diagnosed as needing two weeks to heal. He will continue participating in the current Jungyo till it ends in 9 days. His doctor said Asa injured it on day 13 of the last basho. "My initial diagnosis was two weeks, but it could take longer", he explained."I couldn't admit that it hurt during the basho, but what hurts, hurts..", added Asa. However he participated in the Musubi no-Ichiban bout today at Yasukuni shrine, regardless.

Asa with a supporting bandage today:

Yasukuni dohyo-iri:

Yasukuni:

Edited April 4, 2008 by Kintamayama

[Asashosakari 18,783]

From another thread:

Today at Kanagawa Ken, Fujisawa ... Injured Asashouryuu lost in the first round to Takekaze

And subsequently it was revealed that his injury is apparently more severe than originally thought. After the Fujisawa stop he briefly travelled back to a Tokyo-area hospital for oxygen chamber treatment, but all the same instead of two weeks, it's now estimated that he'll definitely be out of action all through April, limiting him to the meet & greet parts for the remainder of the jungyo tour (until the 13th). After that, Shoryu is scheduled to travel back to Mongolia for rehab.

[Kotoviki 16]

I wonder why he participated in the match at Yokosuka then!?

I heard from someone who watched the news that he got hurt worse during the Yokosuka match and was rushed to a hospital just after that!

I'm going to Soka on Saturday, wonder if I'll even see him there....

[Asashosakari 18,783]

I wonder why he participated in the match at Yokosuka then!?

I heard from someone who watched the news that he got hurt worse during the Yokosuka match and was rushed to a hospital just after that!

Beats me. Unless I'm misreading it, the Sports Hochi article on the Yokosuka stop only says that he did the dohyo-iri and the aforementioned 'fan service' type of stuff.

[Harry 67]

After the Mongolian football (soccer) fiasco last year I'm sure he is going to do everything he must to maintain the decorum of a yokozuna. Hopefully he can now get some rest as natsu is just weeks away.

[Kotoviki 16]

I wonder why he participated in the match at Yokosuka then!?

I heard from someone who watched the news that he got hurt worse during the Yokosuka match and was rushed to a hospital just after that!

Beats me. Unless I'm misreading it, the Sports Hochi article on the Yokosuka stop only says that he did the dohyo-iri and the aforementioned 'fan service' type of stuff.

Maybe he started feeling guilty? Who knows! But he obviously shouldn't have!!!

[Jonosuke 28]

Asashoryu made it the Soka City Saitama Jyungyo on April 12 after having his left calf treated. Always good for a quote or two, Asashoryu indicated to reporters that through a sporting goods maker, he contributed to the design of the Mongolian Olympic team uniform and just presented the unform to about the 150 member national team.

Asashoryu also said his left calf injury was mending nicely. "I won't get back to doing Keiko until I am fully recovered but it is getting better. I guess it means I am still young," Asashoryu said. "It's still tender but I should be ready by the Banzuke release."

The Natsu basho banzuke will be released on April 24 and the basho starts on May 11.

The Jyungyo Director Oshima oyakata was not exactly happy to see Asashoryu arriving at the venue only after training session. He was not pleased to see none of ozeki participated in the trianing sessions with only Hakuho mixing in. The ozeki only showed at the dohyo area and not decided to join in the session.

"It really makes me mad. It is a matter of self awareness. If they only do it after being told, it means they are not really professional," Oshima oyakata said.

Despite his haranguing, all Jyngyo events were successful with some selling out all the alloted seats. The last stop on the Haru Jyungyo at Fujieda City Shizuoka on April 13, with two yokozuna present, they sold out all 4000 seats.

Edited April 13, 2008 by Jonosuke

[Kintamayama 44,345]

Asashouryuu is scheduled to leave for Mongolia today. Probably gone by now. He is off to treat his leg injury and will be back before the Banzuke announcement on April 24th.

[Jonosuke 28]

Asashouryuu is scheduled to leave for Mongolia today. Probably gone by now. He is off to treat his leg injury and will be back before the Banzuke announcement on April 24th.

I hope he got a proper permission from the Kyokai but I just want he stops this charade about treating an injury in Mongolia story as one can treat an injury almost anywhere.

I understand an explanation like meeting his family or taking care of his extensive business ventures there.

It's been proven already that an injury excuse is just that, an excuse to go back to Mongolia. No other rikishi, foreign born or not, goes back so often to his home to tend his injury.

[Fujisan 530]

Ahhhh it wouldn't be the same,a basho without Asashoryu getting injured in the run up. :-)

Personally I think he's just lulling the other Rikishi into a false sense of security. (Sigh...)

[Kintamayama 44,345]

Asashouryuu is scheduled to leave for Mongolia today. Probably gone by now. He is off to treat his leg injury and will be back before the Banzuke announcement on April 24th.

I hope he got a proper permission from the Kyokai

He even got his shisho's permission.

[paolo 0]

.... I just want he stops this charade about treating an injury in Mongolia story as one can treat an injury almost anywhere.

I understand an explanation like meeting his family or taking care of his extensive business ventures there.

It's been proven already that an injury excuse is just that, an excuse to go back to Mongolia. No other rikishi, foreign born or not, goes back so often to his home to tend his injury.

You are obviously right, but let me ask a question or two. What would happen if Asashoryu after every basho, after paying all his duties as a Yokozuna after a basho ( various jyungyo, dohyo-iri and whatever else), asked to go back to Mongolia for ten days to his family ? Would he be allowed to do so ? I personally cannot even see why this should be a matter of debate, but it seems to me that a lot of people think that he should stay in Japan even without an apparent reason....

[Jonosuke 28]

Some may consider only participation in basho and jyungyo, dohyo-iri ceremonies as his job. They are official duties as yokozuna and rikishi on behalf of the Kyokai. These are basically paid public appearences. It's only what I call of the 3% of Ozumo. But as a yokozuna as well as a leading rikishi, his "duty" really does not end there.

If Asashoryu goes to Mongolia for ten days after every basho, it means 60 days a year. It appears to be excessive time away from his profession. There are certain expectations for yokozuna and he appears to lack that self-awareness.

Ms Uchidate raised this point time and time again especially concerning his shisho's lack of leadership. While this may be true to certain extent, it is about the time he should realize for himself what it is to be a yokozuna. Regardless how much he achieves on the dohyo, if he continues on the present path, he will not be recognized as a truly great yokozuna in sumo history.

His dedication to keeping himself competitive and formidable has been clearly proven but somehow he does not show himself as dedicated to Ozumo's future by culitivating more supporters and developing next generations of rikishi. His legacy depends on that as well.

A yokozuna is at the literal head of Ozumo. Asashoryu could become a greater example to other rikishi and a model of what all rikishi should be. If he is not as universally admired and respected by sumo fans everywhere despite his accomplishments and records, there are good reasons for it.

Edited April 15, 2008 by Jonosuke

[HenryK 38]

Some may consider only participation in basho and jyungyo, dohyo-iri ceremonies as his job. They are official duties as yokozuna and rikishi on behalf of the Kyokai. These are basically paid public appearences. It's only what I call of the 3% of Ozumo. But as a yokozuna as well as a leading rikishi, his "duty" really does not end there.

If Asashoryu goes to Mongolia for ten days after every basho, it means 60 days a year. It appears to be excessive time away from his profession.

This doesn't bother me. After all he has his family and kids there. Being a Yokozuna shouldn't imply being a cruel father.

Ms Uchidate raised this point time and time again especially concerning his shisho's lack of leadership.

Thanks god noone is listening any longer.

His dedication to keeping himself competitive and formidable has been clearly proven but somehow he does not show himself as dedicated to Ozumo's future by culitivating more supporters and developing next generations of rikishi. His legacy depends on that as well.

I disagree. Few things have raised more public interest in ozumo than last year's soap opera and this year's rivalry of two yokozuna of roughly equal strength but very different characters. A bit of controversy is good for most sports.

A yokozuna is at the literal head of Ozumo. Asashoryu could become a greater example to other rikishi and a model of what all rikishi should be. If he is not as universally admired and respected by sumo fans everywhere despite his accomplishments and records, there are good reasons for it.

I agree with this, but for other reasons. What bothers me the most is Asashoryu's habitual abuse of the degeiko system. It's not meant for a Yokozuna to intimidate and figure out opponents, it's primarily there to help more junior rikishi develop their skills. Asashoryu seemed pretty uninterested in the second part until recently.

[Sasanishiki 57]

A yokozuna is at the literal head of Ozumo. Asashoryu could become a greater example to other rikishi and a model of what all rikishi should be. If he is not as universally admired and respected by sumo fans everywhere despite his accomplishments and records, there are good reasons for it.

I agree with this, but for other reasons. What bothers me the most is Asashoryu's habitual abuse of the degeiko system. It's not meant for a Yokozuna to intimidate and figure out opponents, it's primarily there to help more junior rikishi develop their skills. Asashoryu seemed pretty uninterested in the second part until recently.

I think the two are related actually. If Asa leaves for 10 days at a time between basho then he IS neglecting one of his duties. His duties don;t just extend to the Kyokai and turning up for han-basho and jungyo and any other official aspects that the Kyokai requires. If his shisho wants to let him go and it means potentially not be around for some heya activities like schmoozing with the koenkai or other bigwigs that is Takasago's business. However, there is another duty that the yokozuna has - he is supposed to be overseeing the quality of sumo, as he presumably is the paragon of sumo ability given his rank. This means being available and present at degeiko and within his own heya. HenryK is right when he says a yokozuna shouldn;t be beating up others in practice - he is supposed to be guiding and helping others learn and become better, whilst also maintaining his skills. however, if he is in Mongolia for weeks at a time, the opposrtunity for degeiko and for guidance within his own heya and ichimon is lost or extremely limited.

On a side note, I'm always interested that it is Asa who goes to his family and not his family coming to him. If he thought about the ramifications of his actions in terms of public perception and the duties of his position, then a solution would be to go to Mongolia about 3 times a year and have his family visit another three times. I think that would be the same amount of contact as he now has but it would be perceived so much better by the Kyokai and the public, rather than seeing him to-ing and fro-ing at Narita all the time.

[Asashosakari 18,783]

In fairness, scheduling his trip to Mongolia in the downtime between the jungyo and the banzuke announcement is probably the most sensible solution possible. (Other than not going at all, of course.) It used to be much more irritating when he habitually didn't return to Japan until the week before shonichi.

[Jonosuke 28]

Asashoryu is doing great things for Mongolia and that in itself is admirable. He buys Olympic uniforms for their national team and he sponsors exchange students from Mongolia. He is raising his own standing considerably in Mongolia as well being visible every other month by visiting there. Using his prestige, he has been contributing a great deal to their welfare and this is all good and noble.

But has he done as much and contributed back to what got him here?

Asashoryu's former classmate at Meitoku Gijuku High School is now their sumo coach. During Osaka basho, he came to visit Asashoryu with one of their Sumo club members who will be graduating next year. Asashoryu was all his usual self, parading this kid around reporters and coaxing him to join Ozumo. Asashoryu proclaimed the student will be his "inner" recruit. I am sure his shisho would have been thrilled to hear the news.

The student must have been excited to see his senior and yokozuna but did he expect such an invitation? He was pressured into a position he really could not do anything about. Asashoryu is used to be around reporters but this kid wasn't. As he was still a minor, they would have needed a permission from his parents for him to agree even if he wanted. Such a grandstanding really goes against the norm of yokozuna conduct.

The old Sadogatake oyakata spent almost half a year visiting families of potential recruits, explaining about Ozumo's customs and structures so they know what to expect. It's a crucial decision for the young man and his family. It is a life altering decision for them. It is not something that should be decided on a whim. The oyakata understood that so well.

While Asashoryu was showing off his junior and the sumo coach from his old school, he has left out saying one thing. The school's sumo club has dwindled down so much that it is in danger of folding. Meitoku Gijuku is a great sports school and there are as many sports clubs as sports but currently there are only two members in the sumo club. It there was no sumo club at Meitoku, there was no Asashoryu. While it is not a fault of Asashoryu that the club has gone down to where it is now but he certainly could have helped out more in terms of time and money to revive the club as after all it has contributed so much to what he is today. While he appears to be so fervent to the cause of his homeland, he has not shown yet he wanted to return as much to the sport he had received so much from.

[Kotoku 0]

I appreciate the varied comments here, and I also appreciate the civility of this thread. For myself, I think that Grand Sumo has become way too peecee these days. A yokozuna is a "god," small g, period. If you look back to some of the shenanigans of days past, going home to see the wife and kids is small potatoes. He doesn't have to be "nice" all the time, in fact it is much better if he isn't.

This overarching push for subservience, and submission to dithering elders, whether at work, at home or in sumo has got to stop. It totally screws up much of Japanese society; that's why the kids flock to J-League. It's not that they truly embrace the sport, but the freedom it represents is a HUGE tonic for the day-to-day drudgery of life in Edo.

Sumo desperately needs Asashoryu. He is one of the few rikishi with a pulse. Hakkuho, regardless of what he will do in the future, is a salaryman, pure and simple. And salarymen are not very interesting.

Guys YMMV, and no problem. Gotta go work on the garden. Getting the Sacramento house fixed up, slowly but surely. Please hoist a Yebesu for me... :- )

Tq

[Kintamayama 44,345]

While Asashoryu was showing off his junior and the sumo coach from his old school, he has left out saying one thing. The school's sumo club has dwindled down so much that it is in danger of folding. Meitoku Gijuku is a great sports school and there are as many sports clubs as sports but currently there are only two members in the sumo club. It there was no sumo club at Meitoku, there was no Asashoryu. While it is not a fault of Asashoryu that the club has gone down to where it is now but he certainly could have helped out more in terms of time and money to revive the club as after all it has contributed so much to what he is today. While he appears to be so fervent to the cause of his homeland, he has not shown yet he wanted to return as much to the sport he had received so much from.

If I'm not mistaken, I read about ten days ago that Asa pledged to finance the Sumo club, and personally promised he would not allow it to go under. I forgot the details, but I'm pretty sure of the general idea. I think he even brought over a promising young Mongolian to join the club.

[JAB 0]

Good posts all, and Kotoku I totally agree with you!

I was wondering why Asashoryu did not have a link in the featured Rikishi area?

I am new, so if I am missing something, my bad.

Cheers

Jake :-(

[Fujisan 530]

I was wondering why Asashoryu did not have a link in the featured Rikishi area?

Possibly because Asashoryu is so well reported on in other parts of the forum and the regular posters here know everything about him down to what side he sleeps on in bed.

If enough people request it I'm sure it would happen.

Edited April 16, 2008 by Fujisan

[Asafan 0]

Good posts all, and Kotoku I totally agree with you!

I was wondering why Asashoryu did not have a link in the featured Rikishi area?

I am new, so if I am missing something, my bad.

Cheers

Jake :-(

If you read french, check here

[Dagvaa 0]

Asashoryu is doing great things for Mongolia and that in itself is admirable. He buys Olympic uniforms for their national team and he sponsors exchange students from Mongolia. He is raising his own standing considerably in Mongolia as well being visible every other month by visiting there. Using his prestige, he has been contributing a great deal to their welfare and this is all good and noble.

Asa is certainly preparing his return to Mongolia. he is now 28 years old. After his sumo carier, he may try to start political/public carier in his homeland like Shuzan.

It will not be suprising if Shuzan becames MP in next election. Good :-( for japan and mongolian relationship

Asashoyu's short interview at Airport

The Champion come back home. His parents are at the airport and Asashoryu is happy to be home, repeating again and again "great to be in my homeland"

He answered few questions to media

Q- Please share your impression of coming back home. How long will you stay?

Asa:- Just arrived and feel really great to come back home. I'll stay 4-5 days.

Q- Your personal sumo record is now at level of Takanahana. What is your future plan?

Asa:-yes, I've reached to what I aimed. I'll do my best further. 15th days sumo of last baso was very important wrestling to me. And I am happy with the result.

Q- You used to be Yokozuna from the East. How was your last 2 basho from the West?

Asa:-This year everything seems to be new. Even there were some moments that I lost control /discouraged/dishearthened me. During these times, I did more training

Q- Hakuho won2 times in your absence. What do you think about that?

Asa:- Well, in my absence, brother won. Isn't it good?. He is doing good and upholding the name of Mongolia.

Q- Lately, Amanishiki from stable of Ama is beating mongolians many times. . What is your opinion about him

Asa:- Many times? He is smart wrestler. Ama is in same stable, so I gues they know each others sumo. I am not familiar with wrestlers from other heya. I even lost to Amanishiki 2 times :)

Q-You injured your leg. How is it now?

Asa:- Yes , my left leg calf muscle injured and hurts and it is not really good condition. It is under treatment..

Q-You won Kotomitsuki 26 time. What in your ming when you win someone too many times?

Asa:- I used to think when would I be lost. So I was wrestling with that thought. ... I 'll do my best.

Q-What people arrived with you ?

Asa:- People who are going to organise Smo visit in August in Mongolia. I think , soon they will more information to press. Then more can be said. Wonderful to be home.

http://www.sonin.mn/2008/04/15/895/

Edited April 16, 2008 by Dagvaa

[JAB 0]

Asafan -

Alas I am not fluent in French, but thank you. Looks awesome! Love your avatar, I use it as a wallpaper, and WAS going to use it for my avatar... :-(

Thanks guys,

Jake

[Jonosuke 28]

Q-What people arrived with you ?

Asa:- People who are going to organise Smo visit in August in Mongolia. I think , soon they will more information to press. Then more can be said. Wonderful to be home.

Thank you for all this.

Unlike Kyokushuzan, Asashoryu is much more astute businssman. He is establishing solid business connections there and in Japan now.

If he brought one of the ogranizers with him to Mongolia, this man is the same guy who sponsored the Taiwan Jyungyo. The man is a real estate mogul in Taiwain and he has solid connections in Japan. He is known to be very close to Kitanoumi oyakata as well. He is developing a major condo/shopping mall/office compex in Ulaabaator right now and Asashoryu has some interest in it already.

Even if Asashoryu retires now, he should have no trouble living a good life in Mongolia. He has no need to acquire a Japanese citizienship to stay with the Kyokai. Why shouild he anyway? Staying in the Kyokai will only limit all he could do and wants to do in future.

He has already built a good business base in Mongolia (currently being managed by his relations), in my view he is setting his sight far higher than being a mere oyakata. In a two dozen years or so from now we should be greeting him as the President of Mongolia.