A Mongolian sumo wrestler who was injured in a drunken beating last year has sued a former yokozuna after the two sides failed to reach an amicable settlement through informal channels.

Takanoiwa A.Baasandorj, aged 28, on 4 October filed the lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court seeking 24.13 million yen (US$211,000) from Harumafuji D.Byambadorj, 34, who retired as yokozuna to take responsibility for the beating in Tottori in October 2017.

Takanoiwa is seeking compensation not only for the medical treatment he needed after Harumafuji smacked his head with a remote control at a karaoke bar but also for wages lost by sitting out the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament because of his injuries.

As a result of missing the tournament, Takanoiwa was demoted to the second-highest juryo division for the following tournament in January.

He has since returned to the highest makuuchi division and was ranked maegashira No. 13 in the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament held in September.