In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Yago, the wrestler from Oitekawa, achieved a significant milestone during the 11th day of the Sumo Spring Tournament held on March 19, 2025, at the Osaka Edion Arena. He showcased his prowess by defeating west No. 8 Hakuyo from Minezaki with a decisive yori-kiri, bringing his tournament record to an impressive 5 wins and 1 loss.
Yago immediately took control of the match, engaging his opponent with a left grip from the start before switching to a right grip that led him to secure victory. "I was only thinking about concentrating as I always do," Yago shared after the match, reflecting his focused approach that led to this success.
This victory was not just another win; it marked Yago's 500th career appearance, a notable achievement in his professional journey. Having debuted at the Makushita No. 15 rank in the 2017 Summer Tournament, he has steadily progressed through the ranks. Remarkably, he noted that he did not specifically feel the weight of this milestone. “I wasn’t particularly focused on that,” he stated, clearly keeping his eyes set on higher goals in the sumo hierarchy.
However, it wasn't all smooth sailing for Yago. Just prior to this bout, he had faced a setback, succumbing to a defeat against former Ozeki Asanoyama, which left him feeling demoralized. "After losing to Asanoyama in my fifth match, I felt like my opponent was above me in every way," Yago recalled, expressing the frustration typical of any competitor intent on reaching the top. Yet, showing resilience, he regrouped and came back stronger for the next challenge.
Yago's aspirations are clear as he aims to seamlessly transition back to the Makushita division, a goal that seems increasingly tangible following his recent performances. His current standings and formidable record indicate that he is indeed climbing the ranks steadily. Yago demonstrated that he possesses not just the technical skill, but also the mental fortitude required to excel in the highly competitive world of sumo.
As the tournament progresses, observers will undoubtedly keep a close watch on Yago, expecting to see further improvements as he maintains his focus and commitment, crucial characteristics that have defined his journey thus far. The upcoming bouts will be telling of Yago’s potential to achieve even greater heights and solidify his status within the sumo community.
With his sights firmly set on a successful return to higher ranks, Yago continues to embody the spirit of a true competitor—one who knows the value of perseverance and determination in a sport where every match is a test of both physical and mental strength.
