On January 12, 2024, the New Year Sumo Tournament kicked off at the iconic Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, marking the beginning of one of Japan's most revered sporting events. This year's opening day was particularly special as it featured the presentation of the prestigious '71st Sports Hochi Annual Best Sumo Wrestler Award' to Ozeki Kotooshu, who received resounding applause from the audience.
The award ceremony was hosted on the wrestling ring itself, signifying the importance of the occasion. Notably, Kotooshu, who had only recently achieved the rank of Ozeki, expressed his gratitude toward the crowd and the Sports Hochi representative, Yukiho Iida, who presented the award. "I’m grateful for this award and it motivates me to perform even harder this year," Kotooshu stated, highlighting the added pressure and joy of competing at such high stakes.
Kotooshu's path to this accolade was paved by his remarkable performance from the previous year, where he notched up 13 wins at the January tournament and took part in the championship play-offs. His success continued through the year, culminating with 14 wins against 1 loss at the final Kyushu tournament, where he also secured his first championship win. Achieving the title of 'Annual Best Wins' with 66 wins has set high expectations as he heads back to the ring. With this recognition, the Ozeki is not just competing for victories but also eyeing the coveted Yokozuna title.
The atmosphere within the Ryogoku Kokugikan was electric, with fans waving banners and cheering enthusiastically for their favorite wrestlers. This year is expected to be particularly thrilling as Kotooshu aims to follow the legacy of his grandfather and former mentor under the same name, Kotooshu, as he strives for Yokozuna status. The crowd was buzzing with excitement, anticipating the matches to commence after the solemnity of the award ceremonies.
The opening ceremony of the New Year Sumo Tournament not only celebrated Kotooshu’s achievements but also set the tone for the competitions to come. Fans and wrestlers alike are eager to see how the tournament will progress. With Kotooshu's success in mind, it is clear he will be one of the key players this season, as he looks to embrace the pressure and expectations placed upon him.
Through the course of the tournament, every match will matter, each bout shaping the career trajectories of the wrestlers. For Kotooshu, determination and consistency are key. "This year is significant, and I will give it my all. I want to show my strength on the mat and prove worthy of this recognition," he added, showcasing his competitive spirit.
The opening day of the Sumo Tournament is just the first chapter of what promises to be yet another exciting year for Sumos and their followers, showcasing not just leadership and prowess but also the spirit of sportsmanship and dedication inherent to this ancient Japanese tradition.