Ukrainian sumo wrestler Aonishiki wins Emperor's Cup for the third time despite injuries

26.07.2026, 15:46 rubryka.com

Before the final day of competition, the Ukrainian had recorded 12 victories and two defeats, leading his closest rivals — Japan's Atamifuji and Mongolia's Kirishima — by one win.

In the final bout of the main tournament stage, Aonishiki faced Atamifuji. A victory would have secured the title for the Ukrainian, but the Japanese wrestler prevented him from executing his signature technique and forced him out of the dohyo ring.

After that, Mongolia's Kirishima also won his bout against Kotosakura. As a result, three wrestlers finished the tournament with the same record of 12 wins each, meaning the championship had to be decided through a playoff.

In the decisive bouts, Aonishiki first defeated Atamifuji to avenge his earlier loss in the tournament, and then overcame Kirishima. Two consecutive victories earned the Ukrainian the Nagoya Basho championship title.

安青錦が吠えた！！死闘を制して、3度目の優勝（すべて決定戦での優勝決定）大関陥落直後の優勝はし史上初。#大相撲名古屋場所 pic.twitter.com/5O7PB3yKEb

— 昭和 男児 (@shouwadanji) July 26, 2026

It should be noted that the Ukrainian sumo wrestler competed in this tournament despite injuries to his left ankle and the big toe of his left foot. Already on the 11th day of the competition, he secured his 10th victory, which, according to the rules, guaranteed his return to the ozeki rank he had lost due to injury.

According to reports, this was the first time in history that a wrestler who regained the ozeki title after just one tournament also went on to win that same tournament.

During a conversation with journalists after his victory, the sumo wrestler said that he "wanted to perform in a way that would leave no regrets."

"Last year, I was just a little short of winning. This time, I wanted to show the spectators in Nagoya truly intense and exciting sumo — that was the mindset I brought with me every time I stepped onto the dohyo," Yavhusyshyn said.

The Ukrainian sumo wrestler has already received congratulations from the Special Operations Forces Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:

"Sumo and special operations may seem like distant worlds. But they share the same philosophy and essence — willpower, discipline, and readiness to fight to the end when circumstances are against you. The warrior's spirit is the same everywhere: on the dohyo, in the ring, and on the battlefield. Ukraine's Special Operations Forces congratulate Danylo on this great victory. You fought like a warrior — and won like a warrior."

It should be recalled that in autumn 2025, Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Aonishiki Yavhusyshyn won the Emperor's Cup for the first time in his career during a competition in Japan.

Also, in January 2026, the decisive day of the Hatsu Basho tournament took place at the Ryogoku Kokugikan Sumo Arena in Tokyo. Ukraine's Danylo Aonishiki Yavhusyshyn won the Emperor's Cup for the second consecutive time.

As Rubryka previously reported, in July 2025, Aonishiki Arata, who was born Danylo Yavhusyshyn, set a new record in sumo. The Ukrainian earned his first gold star (kinboshi) by defeating yokozuna Hoshoryu, who held the sport's highest rank before the bout.