In a thrilling day at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament held on March 22, 2025, two ambitious wrestlers captured the spotlight, each experiencing contrasting fortunes that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Miyagi, the 26-year-old standout at the East Makushita division, had his moment of glory confirmed after he clinched a decisive victory over Kitakatsufuji, a seasoned wrestler ranked eighth in the West Juryo division. With his win, Miyagi secured his place in the newly promoted Juryo division, bringing an exhilarating conclusion to his three wins and three losses overall record for the tournament. As he stepped onto the ring, he expressed, “I thought I could die up there. I put my life on the line,” showcasing the raw emotion and pressure athletes face in the fiercely competitive world of sumo wrestling.
His coach, former Sekiwake Nakamura, welcomed him warmly after the match, fostering a sense of purpose that clearly resonated with Miyagi. “When I saw my coach, I almost cried,” he shared, reflecting on a journey that began with self-doubt due to his smaller stature—standing at 171 cm and weighing 118 kg. This victory marked not just a personal achievement but a fulfillment of a shared dream with his mentor, who had tirelessly encouraged him throughout his career.
Meanwhile, in stark contrast, Ishizaki, the 24-year-old Top-ranked wrestler in the West Makushita division, found his hopes of ascension dashed. Competing with a record of three wins and three losses, he faced fellow competitor Kazearashi in what was to be a pivotal bout. Coming off a strong start by pushing his opponent back, Ishizaki sadly lost the match after being overturned before he could secure victory. He had hoped his performance would mark a definitive step towards his promotion to the Juryo division, having initially entered the dohyo at the Nagoya tournament in July of last year at the lowest rank of Makushita.
Expressing his disappointment, Ishizaki noted, “I was too anxious. If I had been calmer...” His slip indicates the mental strain young athletes endure in high-stakes situations, illustrating that success is seldom assured, even when the odds seem in their favor.
Another noteworthy performance came from Kaho, also 25, who is ranked second in the East Juryo division. He secured his ninth victory against Hakuyozan, ranked eighth in the West Juryo division. After the match, Kaho reflected on the importance of preparation, especially given he had previously lost to this opponent back in the last tournament's Senshuraku. “I prepared not to lose the same way I did last time,” he recounted, sharing his relief in executing a winning strategy. With this victory, Kaho has substantially increased his chances of joining the prestigious Makuuchi division in the next tournament, adding pressure for him to continue the upward trajectory.
In the Daisumo arena, Kaho's victory became even more meaningful as it paralleled Miyagi’s success. Not only are both wrestlers part of the same training stable, but they also share roots from Okinawa, creating an electric atmosphere in the training space. “It would be great if we both can be promoted together. The stable would gain more energy,” Kaho remarked post-match, highlighting the camaraderie and shared ambitions within the community.
The day was also highlighted by Daieisho, who showcases seasoned wrestling prowess at the age of 31, managing to thwart the new entrant Aozora from Ukraine. With only one win remaining to achieve a majority of wins, Daieisho was notably committed to securing his victory as he pursues possible promotion to the Ozeki ranks. Remembering his first championship details, he recounted, “It felt great to watch the tournament on TV from my hometown when I first won in 2021.” His experience was a sharp contrast to Aozora’s, who had enjoyed a seven-match winning streak before Daieisho’s definitive victory, showcasing the dramatic ebbs and flows of fortune virtual sumo wrestlers navigate.
As they prepared for the final stretch of the tournament, all wrestlers displayed vigorous determination. However, only some could realize their dreams. For Miyagi, it's a dream fulfilled; for Ishizaki, a painful lesson learned; for Kaho, a hopeful glance towards the future; and for Daieisho, a reminder of his pursuit of greater heights.
As the tournament proceeds into its climax, fans and wrestlers alike remain eager to see how the remaining bouts unfold and which athletes will cement their legacy in sumo history.
