Sumo: Wrestlers draw large crowd as regional tour visits Osaka expo
Yokozuna Onosato's ring-entering ritual and bouts between wrestlers were on display at the venue as well as a shokkiri show, which comically demonstrates prohibited moves in the ancient sport.
"It's great to have many people from around the world getting to know sumo," said grand champion Onosato, who received the loudest cheer and was quickly surrounded by the crowd after stepping outside to pose for commemorative photos.
Many also congratulated rank-and-file maegashira Kotoshoho after he won the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in July.
"I'm grateful people are counting on me," he said.
Osaka-born stablemaster Takekuma was happy to see the event proving a big success after playing a big part behind the scenes.
"It will be memorable for the wrestlers and I also hope it serves as a catalyst for people from overseas to get interested (in sumo)," the former ozeki Goeido said.
The regional tour will run through the end of this month with the wrestlers visiting as far as Hokkaido.
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