In
an exclusive interview Yokozuna Hakuho, in Mongolia for a much-deserved rest
after winning three successive bashos without losing a single bout, says what
it feels like to remain undefeated in 47 consecutive appearances on the ring, and
yet unable to hold the Emperor’s Cup because of reasons that have nothing to do
with him individually. The July basho was not shown on TV because of a gambling
scandal involving sumo wrestlers, and the Japanese Sumo Association decided not
to  present  the Emperor’s Cup to the winner of the
tournament to show its displeasure at their conduct.

Congratulations on your
victory. Unfortunately, we had to be content with the highlights because the
basho was not broadcast live. How was it?

This
basho was very difficult for me. I set a goal to fight with all my strength and
won without losing even once. At one time it had appeared as if the basho would
be canceled.

What did you think of
the Japanese Sumo Association’s decision not to present the Emperor’s Cup?

It
was the JSA’s decision and it would not be appropriate for me to make a
comment. But I’m naturally disappointed that the Emperor’s Cup was not given to
me. The Cup is the ultimate prize for more than 1,000 sumo wrestlers and
recognizes the winner’s skills and hard work. I felt unhappy and had tears in
my eyes. But well, we have to hope this will not happen again. In the meantime,
I am determined to do well in the upcoming bashos.

You have surpassed the
record of one legend, Yokozuna Taiho, by winning 47 consecutive bouts. Is your
next goal breaking the record of Yokozuna Chiyonofuji?

I
shall try my best but one cannot see what the future holds. I must remind you
that last year, I reached another record landmark by winning 86 bouts out of the
90 in the year’s six bashos. I was ill for some time and also suffered injuries
and had sometimes doubted if I would take part in all the tournaments. But everything
turned out even better than hoped. About the string of 47 wins, these are not
things you set out to do. We have to be in shape, train regularly, and we take
every match as it comes, as a separate event. I have a feeling that God grants good
fortune to those who work hard. There is a divinity behind our success.

No Japanese is likely to
attain the rank of yokozuna soon. Ozeki Kotomitsuki has been banned and Ozeki Kaiyo
is about to retire. Does this mean Mongolians will dominate sumo from now on?

When
D.Batbayar was the first Mongolian in sumo, the sport was dominated by Hawaiian
wrestlers. The Japanese were not very happy. Then six Mongolians  entered the sport and the Japanese people accepted
them more warmly because of their Asian identity. That love and feeling of
oneness persists. Before my match with Bulgarian Kotooshu, many Japanese fans encouraged
me by saying, “Hakuho, you must not be defeated by a foreigner.”

What do you think of the
Japanese Sumo Association’s big reform plans?

JSA
has brought in professional managers from abroad to plan and implement the
reforms. My only worry is that these people may not understand the spirit of
sumo, and may not empathize with our stresses and hard work.