Ōno achieved his long-awaited milestone by clinching his 100th victory at the Grand Sumo Tournament held at Ryogoku Kokugikan on January 13, 2025. It was the second day of the tournament, and Ōno faced off against Kirishima, demonstrating formidable strength and determination.
Overcoming the previous day’s stumble, Ōno approached the match with renewed focus. He executed his signature push-out technique, known as oshidashi, successfully forcing Kirishima out of the ring. This victory was not only significant for the tally but also pivotal for Ōno as he transitioned from his debut phase to establishing himself among the sumo elite.
Reflecting on the match, Ōno stated, "I was able to keep calm and do my best on the ring. I was pleased with my performance." This sentiment resonates strongly as his talent continues to emerge, signaling his readiness for higher challenges within the sport.
Takanohana, who mentors Ōno, remarked, "The way he pushed forward and maintained his composure was impressive. He has much potential." His encouragement is underscored by the historical weight of achieving 100 wins; Ōno reached this milestone within 11 tournament appearances, matching records set by other notable wrestlers and making his mark as one of the fastest to achieve this honor since the current rank system was established.
During the match, Ōno displayed remarkable prowess. He initially faced some setbacks, including being pushed back by Kirishima, but adapted quickly, reasserting his offensive strategies. This resilience was key, and as he articulated, "Focus on one match at a time," serving as both his mantra and strategy.
The tournament overall has been thrilling, particularly with veteran wrestlers like Terunofuji making their returns to form after battling through injuries. His return adds intensity to the tournament, and fans are eagerly watching how these narratives evolve.
On the broader horizon, the sumo community takes special notice when young wrestlers like Ōno ascend the ranks. With expectations mounting, he is likely to face higher-caliber competitors as the tournament progresses. Takanohana emphasized, "This victory is not just about statistics; it shows how dedicated and serious he is about his sumo career," which highlights the mental fortitude necessary for success at this level.
Commentators and analysts have pointed out the importance of mental agility and strategy within the sumo ring. Mai no Umi, NHK's sumo expert, elaborated, "Seeing him control the ring and dictate the pace made it evident he’s maturing as a wrestler. His potential is immense, but how he adapts to challenges will define him going forward."
With each match, Ōno’s confidence builds. His path reflects both hard work and adaptability, central traits for any aspiring champion. And as he continues down this road, the combination of technical skill and psychological preparation seems poised to set him up for continued success.
Ōno’s strong debut was met with diverging fates for other top-ranked wrestlers. While Terunofuji secured his first win of the tournament, Toyoshoryu faced some hurdles, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport. The current competition stands teeming with narratives, each wrestling match telling stories of veiled aspirations and steep challenges.