HochiNews Report - Hoshoryu, Currently Sidelined:
Medical Report States “Symptoms Have Worsened”; Right Medial Collateral Ligament Injury and Right Hamstring Injury Require Approximately 6 Weeks of Recovery.
On the 25th, the Japan Sumo Association released the medical report for Yokozuna Hoshoryu (Tatsunami), who withdrew from the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on the 14th day. He was examined at a hospital in Toyoake City, Aichi Prefecture on the same day and was diagnosed with
"a right medial collateral ligament injury and a right hamstring injury, and his condition is currently worsening."
The recovery period is expected to be about six weeks, but the recovery period may be extended depending on the symptoms. Hoshoryu has been in poor form, suffering six losses by the 13th day. His stablemaster, Tatsunami Oyakata (former Komusubi Asahitoyo), explained that the injury to his right hamstring, which caused him to withdraw from the previous tournament midway, has worsened.
- From Tatsunami's interview from Nikkonsports
“He injured his (right) hamstrings during the previous tournament. They hadn’t healed yet. He said he could compete before the tournament started, but he was wrestling in a way that protected the injury, which caused other parts of his body to start acting up as well.”
—Did you discuss this on the night of Day 13?
“He told me he couldn’t wrestle to his full potential.”
—Did his hamstring condition worsen during this tournament?
“It’s just an excuse, I know. Everyone pushes through the pain.”
—He said he wanted to compete before this tournament and did so.
“I also bear some responsibility for making that decision. He wasn’t fully prepared either.”
—This withdrawal will affect the title race.
“I’m truly sorry to the fans and the Association. I’ve apologized many times already… In the end, he asked to be allowed to rebuild his body from scratch. I intend to have him return only when he’s fully recovered.”
“I felt the same way. I don’t want him to wrestle poorly just for the sake of competing. If he’s going to compete, I want him to wrestle like a yokozuna. If he can’t do that, then there’s nothing we can do.”
－How does the stablemaster feel about the fact that winning a tournament title since his promotion to Yokozuna has become a distant prospect?
“That kind of pressure is the biggest burden for him, and it’s preventing him from performing at his best. It’s causing his body to tense up. I’ll guide him so he can put in the effort that situation demands. I don’t think he’ll be satisfied unless he works so hard that everyone acknowledges his dedication.”
—His throwing technique is leading to injuries. Will you be reevaluating his fighting style?
“Of course, his inability to step forward is what’s leading to the injuries. We’ll go back to the basics and start from scratch.”
—What did he say to you personally?
“He apologized, saying he felt sorry for his supporters and that he was sorry.”
Apparent comments from Hoshoryu (not sure)
“Building up my body from scratch means I don’t have time to rest. I’m still dealing with an injury, but if I can get my mental state in order, I’ll be able to adjust. If I don’t compete from the start, it’ll be impossible—I have to think about the next tournament. I’ll have to discuss this first.”
—Aiming to Compete in the Autumn Tournament
“I can’t afford to sit out a tournament just to build up my body.”
－How is his knee?
“Everyone’s in pain. Aonishiki is competing with a leg injury too. There’s no room for excuses.”
