Mongolian-born 71^st sumo grand champion Kakuryu – originally M.Anand – retires from Japanese professional sumo after having had to miss the last five Basho due to a leg injury. According to the Japan Sumo Association, his letter of retirement was accepted on 23 March.

35-year-old Kakuryu began his sumo career in 2001 and continued Mongolia’s domination in Japanese professional sumo for 20 years.

He becomes the second Mongolian-born grand champion to retire from sumo. In 2017, sumo grand champion Harumafuji withdrew from the sport, in a scandal that has rocked Japan’s highly ceremonial sport. Harumafuji was investigated for an alleged assault on a junior wrestler.