US EditionWar Refugee Aonishiki Becomes First Ukrainian to Win Sumo Tournament
Aonishiki, 21, became the first Ukrainian to win an elite sumo title after defeating top-ranked Mongolian wrestler Hoshoryu in the Kyushu tournament, Japan Sumo Association said.
- On Nov 23, Danylo Yavhusishyn, known as Aonishiki Arata, became the first Ukrainian to win an elite-level sumo championship at the Kyushu tournament by defeating grand champion Hoshoryu on Sunday.
- After fleeing Ukraine, Danylo Yavhushyshyn left more than 3 1/2 years ago, sought refuge in Germany, and came to Japan after a 2019 tournament friendship with a Japanese wrestler.
- At 21, Aonishiki Arata rose rapidly after arriving in Japan three years ago, reaching the upper divisions in about a year with one of the fastest promotions since 1958.
- The Japan Sumo Association will soon hold a special meeting to consider promoting him to ozeki, extending success among non-Japanese wrestlers including Mongolians, Hawaiians, and now a Ukrainian.
- Ambitiously, Aonishiki has his sights set on sumo’s top ranks and is the second Ukraine-born professional, following Shishi and highlighting a growing Ukrainian presence.
24 Articles
24 Articles
The athlete, who competes under the name Aonisiki, is on his way to the highest levels of Japanese wrestling.
Fleeing the war, the young Ukrainian sumo Danylo Yavhusishyn, called "Aonishiki", became the first in his country to raise the cup in a Japanese professional tournament against a Mongolian champion, a feat...
War refugee Aonishiki becomes first Ukrainian to win top sumo championship
Ukraine-born wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn, also known as Aonishiki Arata, is the first from his country to win an elite-level sumo championship in Japan.By News AgenciesPublished On 23 Nov 202523 Nov 2025Click here to share on social mediashare2ShareUkrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn on Sunday became the first from his nation to win a tournament of the traditional Japanese sport.The 21-year-old, who fled the war in Ukraine three years ago…
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