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Sumo moves for big break in global sports scene
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-10-12 11:21
LAS VEGAS (AFP) - Sumo wrestling, body-slamming fury combined with centuries
of tradition, is expanding beyond Asia and showing the world that the ancient
sport is far more than fat guys wearing black diapers. Giant-sized sumo are
massive yet nimble, agility and obesity combined in ritual pageantry one moment
and body-slamming ferocity the next. And that impact is slowly being felt
outside the sport's Japanese homeland.
Sumo wrestler
Asashoryu (R) of Mongolia faces off against second day champion
Chiyotaikai of Japan in a grand championship playoff during the final day
of the Grand Sumo Las Vegas tournament at the Mandalay Bay Events Center
in Las Vegas, Nevada October 9, 2005.
[Reuters] | Grand champion Asashoryu of Mongolia
was among 38 sumo here last weekend at the first elite US sumo event in 20
years, only the 13th ever outside Japan with prior stops in China, South Korea,
Australia, England, France and Brazil.
"We hope this event will contribute to creating further friendship between
Japan and America," Japan Sumo Association chairman Toshimitsu Kitanoumi said.
"It's a great honor to present sumo at the entertainment capital of the world."
Sumo wrestlers wearing traditional silk robes played casino slot machines and
at sumo-themed blackjack tables, the religion-linked sport taking its place
among the neon glamour of America's "Sin City".
Gambling's high rollers stopped to watch huge wrestlers walk through the
casino, big spenders side by side with the biggest sportsmen of all, made that
way by huge portions of "chanko nabe", a stew of fish, meat and vegetables.
"One of my portions equals that of five normal people," Asashoryu said.
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