I think that, in the beginning, Hakuho will focus on one single Grand Slam international tournament, in the image of the Hakuho Cup, but for adult athletes. It will become the most prestigious amateur title after the world championship.
I've read that when rikishi fly off the dohyo that they land on concrete. Perhaps there's a thin carpet there. Either way, I strongly believe they need to put down some padding. It wouldn't harm anything and it would prevent a lot of injuries. Sooner or later someone will end up hitting their head and get a concussion. These guys get so many injuries in the ring. They should be protected out of it.
I also really, really wish they would add professional female sumo. I love watching the gals compete and some are amazingly good. And they should be televised.
Good post. I hope someone translates it for the sumo elders.
Funny enough that's the second female sumo comment I've seen! I'll have to be sure to include that for part two.
And I couldn't agree more on the safety. I might eventually write up what a sumo safety commission tasked with improving the sport on that front would look like, but it seems like a no brainer to lower the Dohyo and to also ensure that the are around the ring is padded to mitigate injuries.
I think a format like 20/20 cricket or LIV golf could benefit sumo in terms of global outreach. Sumo is one of the more tradition-steeped sports, and condensing the format with some elements from other successful 'breakaway leagues' (the season or knockout concepts you mentioned, or even a points system for each stable depending on their rikishi's results over the year) would make it more accessible and familiar to someone who's not watched sumo before.
Sumo has quite a good following overseas especially in places that have produced successful rikishi in the past, and even places like the UK (which may soon have its second ever rikishi!), so it makes sense to build on that. And who better than the most successful Yokozuna of all time to helm the operation!
I think that, in the beginning, Hakuho will focus on one single Grand Slam international tournament, in the image of the Hakuho Cup, but for adult athletes. It will become the most prestigious amateur title after the world championship.
There are two things I'd like to add.
I've read that when rikishi fly off the dohyo that they land on concrete. Perhaps there's a thin carpet there. Either way, I strongly believe they need to put down some padding. It wouldn't harm anything and it would prevent a lot of injuries. Sooner or later someone will end up hitting their head and get a concussion. These guys get so many injuries in the ring. They should be protected out of it.
I also really, really wish they would add professional female sumo. I love watching the gals compete and some are amazingly good. And they should be televised.
Good post. I hope someone translates it for the sumo elders.
Cheers,
John
Funny enough that's the second female sumo comment I've seen! I'll have to be sure to include that for part two.
And I couldn't agree more on the safety. I might eventually write up what a sumo safety commission tasked with improving the sport on that front would look like, but it seems like a no brainer to lower the Dohyo and to also ensure that the are around the ring is padded to mitigate injuries.
Thanks for reading and the kind comment!
I think a format like 20/20 cricket or LIV golf could benefit sumo in terms of global outreach. Sumo is one of the more tradition-steeped sports, and condensing the format with some elements from other successful 'breakaway leagues' (the season or knockout concepts you mentioned, or even a points system for each stable depending on their rikishi's results over the year) would make it more accessible and familiar to someone who's not watched sumo before.
Sumo has quite a good following overseas especially in places that have produced successful rikishi in the past, and even places like the UK (which may soon have its second ever rikishi!), so it makes sense to build on that. And who better than the most successful Yokozuna of all time to helm the operation!