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Tokyo. Troubled sumo grand champion Asashoryu announced his retirement from the ancient sport at a tear-filled news conference on Thursday, following a probe into reports of a drunken scuffle in Tokyo last month.

“I have caused great trouble to everyone, as well as to the Japan Sumo Association,” the 29-year-old said, dabbing his eyes.

“I am taking responsibility and retiring today ... I am grateful for all those who believed in me and supported a young boy from the great plains of Mongolia.”

Asashoryu has often been in hot water outside the ring but is beloved by fans for his exploits in it. Japanese broadcasters flashed news bulletins with his plans to retire, later telecasting his farewell announcement.

Asashoryu, born Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, won his 25th Emperor’s Cup last month 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 at the weekend the yokozuna , or grand champion, had been too drunk to remember the incident outside a Nishiazabu district nightclub around 4 a.m. on Jan. 16.

Weekly magazine 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.

Japan Sumo Association (JSA) chairman Musashigawa apologized to the victim and fans for the trouble caused by Asashoryu.

“We discussed the punishment on Asashoryu at today’s meeting. He and his stable master left the meeting saying they needed to decide and then gave us the letter of his retirement. The board accepted it,” Musashigawa said.

Asashoryu has frequently been at odds with the sport’s hierarchy during his explosive career.

In 2007, Asashoryu was caught playing in a charity football match in Mongolia and forging a doctor’s note for an apparent back injury. The incident saw him become the first grand champion ever suspended from the sport. The ban triggered a bout of clinical depression.

“He was one of the strongest in the ring and will always be compared to the legends of the sport,” said Mark Buckton, editor-in-chief of Sumo Fan Magazine. “But he never really followed the expectations for the role of the sport’s highest rank.”

Asashoryu, often criticized by domestic media for not showing hinkaku , or dignity, said on Thursday his style in the ring showed his real commitment.

“Everybody talks about dignity, but when I went into the ring, I felt fierce like a devil,” he said.

Asashoryu’s retirement left the traditional sport with only one yokozuna, fellow Mongolian Hakuho. In recent years, sumo has attracted many foreign wrestlers, while most young Japanese have shunned the sport’s harsh lifestyle and rigid society.

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama expressed disappointment at Asashoryu’s departure.

“He was strong,” he said. “It is heartbreaking for fans that he is retiring under these conditions and I am disappointed.”

Asashoryu said his best memory in sumo was beating grand champion Musashimaru when his parents made their first trip to Japan to see him wrestle.

“That was my best moment,” Asashoryu said, wiping away tears. “I’ve been under a lot of mental stress, and right now I want to get some rest.”

  Sumo

Reuters, AFP