Sumo tournament kicks off without spectators

March 9, 2020

Osaka--The spring sumo grand tournament kicked off in Osaka, western Japan, on Sunday without spectators, an unusual step taken in response to the spread of the new coronavirus in the country.

"We'll work together so that the power of sumo will bring courage and hope to people not only in Japan but across the globe and bring back calm to the world," Hakkaku, head of the Japan Sumo Association, said in a speech at an empty Edion Arena Osaka.

Hakkaku, former yokozuna sumo grand champion Hokutoumi, was joined by all makuuchi top-division wrestlers during the speech in a show of determination to work hard during the 15-day tournament.

The professional sumo governing body made the decision to hold the tournament without spectators after the government sought to scale down or cancel events to contain the spread of the virus.

A grand tournament last took place behind closed doors in 1945 during World War II.

The spring tournament will be canceled if any association member gets infected with the virus.

Asked how he felt about fighting without spectators, Takakeisho, who has the second-highest rank of ozeki, said: "This reminded me of the preciousness of cheering fans. I felt spectators are part of sumo."

Enho, a popular lightweight makuuchi wrestler, said after losing a match that his fighting spirit did not come out. "I couldn't find a reason to fight today." Jiji Press