Sumo Wrestler Yokozuna Kisenosato will not be seen in the in the ring henceforth. The 32-year-old has hung his boots after his eight defeat. He lost the New Year Grand Slam Tournament 2019 by 0-3. The stablemaster announced the news of Yokozuna pronouncing his retirement yesterday and he said that he spoke to the wrestler for about 30-40 minutes. The Sumo wrestler had been battling with injuries to his chest, arm, ankle and knee which raised uncertainty on his ability to continue in the ring. The stablemaster addressed the press while he announced his retirement.

“Kisenosato is retiring as of today,” his stablemaster Tagonoura announced to a large media contingent. “Kisenosato and I spoke for 30 to 40 minutes last night and he said, ‘Please, let me retire, I am retiring.’ “Outwardly, he looked composed like he always does, even though I am sure a lot was going through his mind,” he further added. His stablemaster was quite happy when Kisenosato was promoted to yokozuna.

“While I was happy to see him promoted to yokozuna, I could tell from seeing him up close that he was struggling,” Tagonoura said. “His two years (as yokozuna) passed so quickly," said the stablemaster.

Yokozuna Kisenosato Yutaka said he was in the best of shape before the tournament. But, Kisenosato lost to Komusubi Mitakeumi on opening day. He was handed his second and third upsets by top-ranked Maegashira Ichinojo and Tochiozan. He missed eight consecutive tournaments before making a comeback last September. Kisenosato was the 72nd wrestler promoted to sumo's highest rank of Yokozuna. The 32-year-old Kisenosato made his professional debut in the spring tournament in 2002.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 16, 2019 10:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).