Hakuho expects to do only 2, 3 years more and more

[WAKATAKE 2,759]

Long ago when I was a kid I inquired about whether sumo had a chance of being in the olympics. What I was told was that in order for the IOC to even consider it, sumo would have to have a professional women's division too.

If Hakuho is having trouble speaking Mongolian that probably means he's not using it much with his fellow countrymen. If that were also the case he probably should think about trying to get Japanese citizenship before too long. If he retires without Japanese citizenship, he won't be able to stay in the Kyokai.

[rhyen 1,858]

I think what the previous post was referring to was exhibition sumo tournaments where athletes can win medals (Like Wushu at the 2008 Beijing Olympics).

Since sumo is on the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations, Tokyo can organize Sumo championship tournament alongside the game (most likely for the amateurs and international participants).

[Akinomaki 41,834]

I think what the previous post was referring to was exhibition sumo tournaments where athletes can win medals (Like Wushu at the 2008 Beijing Olympics).

Since sumo is on the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations, Tokyo can organize Sumo championship tournament alongside the game (most likely for the amateurs and international participants).

Sumo is among the 26 who are applying for that one time (or more) chance, in all 33 IOC recognized sports federations exist (winter sports excluded) who are yet to take part in the Olympics. (The new IOC rules permit that more events have a chance than just the one new semi-permanent spot they were competing for before the rule change.) The 26 will be reduced in 2 examinations and the remaining proposed to the IOC as additional events.

http://mainichi.jp/sports/news/20150613k0000m050054000c.html

[Asashosakari 20,265]

Long ago when I was a kid I inquired about whether sumo had a chance of being in the olympics. What I was told was that in order for the IOC to even consider it, sumo would have to have a professional women's division too.

The professional side of sumo doesn't matter, this is just about the amateur game (where women are represented now).

That said, considering the heavy hitters like baseball, karate and squash which are also competing for these new one-time-only slots at the Tokyo Olympics, I find it very hard to believe that the disorganized mess that is (international) amateur sumo stands any chance of getting in, even with the "it's sort of Japan's national sport" bonus.

I think it's actually more likely that the NSK and some TV station might stage a one-day exhibition tournament or something like that directly before the Olympics, in addition to whatever involvement they'll have in the opening ceremony. (Which is set to be on the Friday that's usually Nagoya basho Day 13, so the honbasho will presumably run a week earlier that year.)

[torquato 1,075]

I think it's actually more likely that the NSK and some TV station might stage a one-day exhibition tournament or something like that directly before the Olympics, in addition to whatever involvement they'll have in the opening ceremony. (Which is set to be on the Friday that's usually Nagoya basho Day 13, so the honbasho will presumably run a week earlier that year.)

The question will probably also what effect the Olympics will have to the preceding Tokyo tournament. The Kokugikan will be housing the boxing competitions. Will two months be enough time in between for preparations and maybe refurbishment?

[Kuroyama 715]

The question will probably also what effect the Olympics will have to the preceding Tokyo tournament. The Kokugikan will be housing the boxing competitions. Will two months be enough time in between for preparations and maybe refurbishment?

They routinely host boxing (and pro wrestling, and other events) there now. Converting the arena back for sumo isn't a big deal. Edited June 17, 2015 by Kuroyama

[WAKATAKE 2,759]

If I'm not mistaken the Kokugikan has also hosted concerts. Regardless, it is very easy to work that place and the Olympics will not be a problem for them.

[Asashosakari 20,265]

The only thing I can think of that could cause issues is that the media gallery might not be large enough to accommodate an Olympic event. But that's probably easy enough to address, and I would guess the preparations for it will be part of those reconstruction efforts announced for 2017.

[Akinomaki 41,834]

Sumo is among the 26 who are applying for that one time (or more) chance

to take part in the Olympics.

The 26 will be reduced in 2 examinations and the remaining proposed to the IOC as additional events.

Reduced to 8 now and sumo has been dropped.

http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASH6Q3CTTH6QUTQP008.html

Edited June 22, 2015 by Akinomaki

[Asashosakari 20,265]

Reduced to 8 now and sumo has been dropped.

http://www.asahi.com/articles/ASH6Q3CTTH6QUTQP008.html

The news in English here; so sanity has prevailed. Let's hope the fact that sumo wasn't even considered the 8th-most relevant sport in that selection, by a Japanese committee, means we can stop talking about sumo for the Olympics for the next decade or two...

[Kasutera 258]

I now just want to know what exactly "orienteering" is.

[Asojima 2,874]

I now just want to know what exactly "orienteering" is.

Do they still use a map and compass? Are they allowed to fudge it with GPS?

[Gurowake 4,152]

https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=Orienteering

It's a race to arrive at a series of selected control points spread out in an area of wilderness where the best route between them is not always the straightest line due to terrain hazards. Competitors use maps and a magnetic compass to assist planning their route. Different competitions might have different allowable forms of transport (foot, skis, bike).

Somewhere in the article it says GPS aids to navigation are generally not allowed, but GPS trackers that allow you to analyze your route after the race sometimes are.

Interestingly it also says that provided maps are aligned to magnetic north; I suppose this is just so that people don't have to research the magnetic anomaly of the event area beforehand, but I would think that the skill of having to manually correct for it during the race would be part of the challenge.

It's an interesting sport, but I imagine that due to the rough terrain it probably isn't the best of spectator sports, either in person or on television.

Edited June 22, 2015 by Gurowake

[Benevolance 2,534]

Orienteering would be far more entertaining if it was done Hunger Games style.

[Akinomaki 41,834]

Hakuho promised to stay active till the Olympics, in a meeting with Mongolian and Japanese national OC members, asking again if sumo can be in the Olympics. "There is a real possibility. Yokozuna, help us" was the reply.
http://www.daily.co.jp/sumo/2015/09/02/0008358753.shtml
http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/1531798.html

[WAKATAKE 2,759]

That's another five years away. Given that he's only 30 and really has not been injured, he stands a good chance. Thing will be if he gets bored or not. He'll be 35 when the Olympics happen, and I would expect his yusho count to be at least 50 by then, barring any injury. The only person that can stop Hakuho at this point is Hakuho.