Other events in Baltic States

Estonian sumo wrestler Kaido Höövelson alias Baruto was promoted to the title of ozeki in Japan yesterday, being the second European who has reached that far, LETA/Postimees Online reports.

Baruto won the 2nd place in a major sumo tournament that ended on Sunday, with 14 wins and one lost match. Baruto is the 8th non-Japanese who became ozeki; it took him 36 tournaments to get there.

According to the rituals, Japanese Professional Sumo Association representatives visited yesterday Baruto’s stable Onoe-beya and announced that he has won the title of ozeki. “I humbly accept that,” said Baruto, kneeling.

Eesti Päevaleht writes that in connection with becoming ozeki, Baruto has become a real media magnet in Japan. “Till the end of the week I visit different TV shows. Since Sunday I have seen my mom on TV from morning to evening,” said the wrestler whose home village in Estonia was last week visited by four Japanese TV channels and one news agency.

Currently there are five ozekis now in Japan, besides Baruto also Harumafuji, Ko­tooshu, Kaio and Kotomitsuki. In order to get to the top, the title of yokozuna, Baruto has to win two tournaments in a row. “The future will show whether I will ever become yokozuna,” said Baruto modestly.