Aonishiki: Ukraine sumo prodigy becomes champion in Japan

A Ukrainian refugee has become the first person from his country to win an elite-level sumo tournament.

Danylo Yavhusishyn, known by his sumo ring name Aonishiki, came to Japan at the age of 18 in 2022 after Russia invaded his country.

Now 21 years old, he became the first Ukrainian to claim the precious Emperor’s Cup and the first European to do so in almost eight years.

He is currently on the verge of being promoted to the second highest rank of Ozeki, which would be the fastest promotion in history.

Aonishiki finished the 15-day tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, with 12 wins and three losses and won the championship play-off against Hoshoryu, the 26-year-old Mongolian Yokozuna major champion who won the London tournament last month.

During the winning ceremony interview, Aonishiki was asked if he was satisfied with his results after three years of training in sumo.

“No, I think this is just the beginning,” he replied.

The name Aonishiki contains the Japanese character for “blue”, referring to the Ukrainian flag.