Hoshifransu 0 Posted December 12, 2001 I don't know if doping exists in Sumo but I'm afraid it's an evidence. I think Kyokai rules are responsible. You're demoted when you're absent for a too long time. And when you want to recover quickly or for only the space of a tournament, what do you do ? You use illegal products, of course. It's human. That's not especially for money in Sumo but simply to reach your real deserved, in one word : to emerge ! These rules of demotion when you're injured are really too hard and if Sumo Kyokai really wanted to fight against doping, they would have to change these rules of automatic demotion. :-@ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hoshifransu 0 Posted December 12, 2001 What I told previously is only pure speculation of mine, of course. I really wish reality is other and that Sumo remains safe but comparatively to other sports, where unfortunately doping exists, the question may be asked. I really assert I don't approve Kyokai rule of quick demotion when a sumotori is injured and must recover for a long time. If doping does not exist in Sumo, that could not be for very long time with such a rule like that ! Let giv'em two or four months more to recover for example, instead of droping'em down in Juryo, in Makushita and it's so hard to come back for them after that ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yoavoshimaru 0 Posted January 26, 2003 Hi, These rules of demotion when you're injured are really too hard and if Sumo Kyokai really wanted to fight against doping, they would have to change these rules of automatic demotion Strong words. I partially agree, but in order to see the complete picture I think one must attempt to understand the Kyokai's point of view. A sanyaku rikishi who is kyujo for a long time has very little value for the Kyokai. This is because less people will come to see the basho. The Kyokai has a proud tradition, but is also a business in a way, and sometimes the needs for the sport conflict with the needs for the business. That's why the Kyokai wants to very strongly encourage rikishi to come back as soon as possible. I agree with you this may encourage doping as well :-( indirectly of course. Perhaps a small modification to the rules, such as a rikishi can only get demoted one division (e.g. from makuuchi to juryo, no more), in the case of a long injury, will help? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenjimoto 40 Posted January 27, 2003 One issue with absences is also that the absent rikishi still draws their salary based on their rank. So, it would be pretty nice just to take a year off when you are a Makuuchi, and know that you'll still be getting a Sekitori salary cause the lowest you can fall is "Haridashi Juryo 13" :) [btw, I am guessing Takanohana got his Yokozuna salary during his grand sit-out? Not a bad deal :) ] I think the fact that recently the NSK announced they would consider steroid testing is a pretty good evidence that something DOES go on in terms of illegal substances (of course, if they are not banned by the NSK, they aren't really "illegal" though, are they? :) ) As has been suggested, steroid use might also have something to do with the increased number of injuries... interesting theory - I don't know enough about sports medicine to comment on it, though. Cheers Zenjimoto Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
