In Japan, Mongolian-born yokozuna (grand champion) Hakuho is leading the Natsu Basho with 11 win. The sumo competition will finish after four more matches.

In January, Japan formally named its first home-grown sumo grand champion in almost two decades, in a boost to the traditional wrestling sport. Kisenosato, aged 30, was promoted to the top-most yokozuna rank after his win in the first tournament of the year.

Sumo had been practiced by only Japanese competitors from its first organised basho (tournament) back in the 17th century until a little more than 100 years ago, when foreign-born wrestlers started to participate.

Currently, all three yokozuna are Mongolian — Hakuho, Harumafuji and Kakuryu — with the last Japanese grand champion retiring in 2003 and final homegrown tournament winner coming nine years ago when Tochiazuma won his third and final basho.