21-year old Egyptian Osuna-arashi (born Abdelrahman Sharan) made his debut in sumo’s elite makuuchi division on Sunday at the opening of this year’s Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament. Doing so, he became the first wrestler from Africa to enter the division. As the first pro sumo wrestler from the African continent Osuna-arashi has garnered a great deal of attention from fans and the media alike. His favored techniques are listed on his Japan Sumo Association profile as tsuki/oshi, or thrusting and pushing. He was defeated by Mongolian Shotenro in his first match of the tournament yesterday at the at Fukuoka Kokusai Center, but will have a chance to redeem himself over the 15-day tournament.
Image source: Wikipedia, May 2013
The Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament runs until Nov. 24 in Fukuoka, with unreserved seats starting at ¥2,000. Other wrestlers to watch include yokozuna Hakuho, who pursues his 28th career championship, and local hero Kotoshogiku. Source: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2013/11/10/sumo/egyptian-osunaarashi-takes-his-lumps-in-elite-level-sumo-debut/#.UoB4GpSL8cx, Event details: http://fukuoka-now.com/event/sumo-kyushu-basho-2/