Danylo Yavhusishyn, also known by his Japanese ring name Aonishiki Arata, has made history by becoming the first Ukrainian-born wrestler to win an elite-level sumo championship in Japan. The 21-year-old triumphed in the prestigious Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, defeating Mongolian grand champion Hoshoryu in a thrilling tie-breaking match at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center on Sunday.
From War Refugee to Sumo Champion
Yavhusishyn fled the war in Ukraine three years ago after Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Initially seeking refuge in Germany with his parents, he moved to Japan in April 2022 to pursue his sumo career. Despite arriving in a country where he spoke no Japanese, Yavhusishyn quickly adapted, demonstrating extraordinary skill and determination.
“I am happy that I am able to achieve a goal of mine,” he told fans during his televised victory interview, expressing pride in showing his usual performance on sumo’s biggest stage.
Rapid Rise in Professional Sumo
Yavhusishyn’s sumo journey has been meteoric. After debuting professionally in July 2023, he became only the second Ukraine-born professional sumo wrestler, following Serhii Sokolovskyi, known as Shishi. Within just a year, he reached sumo’s upper divisions—a feat that ranks among the fastest promotions in modern sumo history since the six-tournament system began in 1958.
The Japan Sumo Association is set to hold a special meeting to promote Yavhusishyn to ozeki, the second-highest rank in sumo after yokozuna, or grand champion. This promotion would mark another historic milestone for the young athlete.
Early Life and Sumo Beginnings
Born in central Ukraine, Yavhusishyn began sumo at the age of seven and became a national champion by 17. His early achievements in the world junior sumo championships demonstrated his potential, which would later propel him to international prominence.
He narrowly avoided Ukraine’s military draft due to his age, allowing him to leave for safety and pursue his sumo career abroad. Overcoming language barriers and cultural differences, Yavhusishyn quickly mastered Japanese and embraced life in a sumo stable, where discipline, training, and perseverance shaped his path to success.
Aiming for the Top
Despite this historic victory, Yavhusishyn remains ambitious. “I am happy (now) but there is one higher status. I want to work toward that,” he said, signaling his determination to eventually achieve yokozuna, the pinnacle of sumo.
His success not only marks a personal triumph but also represents a remarkable story of resilience, determination, and the power of sports to transcend borders—even in the face of war and displacement.
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