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Tokyo. Former sumo grand champion Asashoryu has broken his silence after quitting the sport amid a “booze rage” probe by apologizing to his former boss.

The 29-year-old Mongolian, whose birth name is Dolgorsurengiin Dagvadorj, was dressed in a suit and tie to make his first public comments since his retirement on Feb. 4.

“I’m Asashoryu — or was,” the former yokozuna, or grand champion, began in a brief speech reported by Sunday’s Japanese media. “I regret that while winning a lot of Emperor’s Cups, I also caused trouble.”

Asashoryu, who was frequently in hot water during his controversial career, abruptly retired from the ancient sport last month following reports of a drunken scuffle outside a Tokyo nightclub.

Sumo officials launched a probe into the allegations, prompting his decision to step down rather than face the humiliation of being fired.

Asashoryu won his 25th Emperor’s Cup in January to move into third place on the all-time ranking. Only Taiho (32) and Chiyonofuji (31) have more titles than the Mongolian.

However, sumo officials took a dim view of his latest breach of discipline. The head of Asashoryu’s stable told media over the weekend that the yokozuna had been too drunk to remember the incident outside a Nishiazabu district nightclub around 4 a.m. on Jan. 16.

Weekly magazine on Friday reported Asashoryu was intoxicated when leaving the establishment and hit an acquaintance, who he later claimed was his manager. However, weekly magazine Shukan Shincho reported the man was in charge of a dance club where the Mongolian had been drinking.

The victim, who suffered a broken nose, cut lip and bruises to the back of his head, spoke to police but did not file a complaint.

“Thanks largely to your support I was able to win 25 Emperor’s Cups,” Asashoryu told members of his former gym. “I’m 30 this year and will do my best in my second life.”



Reuters