Georgian Sumo Wrestler Tochinoshin Promoted to Ozeki

Georgian sumo wrestler Levan Gorgadze, known in the sport as Tochinoshin Tsuyoshi, has been promoted to Ozeki, the sport's second highest rank.

The Japan Sumo Association officially decided on the promotion on Wednesday. The decision was officially confirmed to Tochinoshin and his stable master, Kasugano, in a ceremony.

Gorgadze is the third wrestler from Europe and the first from Georgia to reach the rank. The 2 other Ozeki-ranked wresters from Europe are Bulgarian-born Kotooshu and Estonian wrestler Baruto.

Tochinoshin won 13 of 15 bouts in the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament that ended on Sunday. He also won a total of 37 bouts in the last 3 tournaments, more than the 33-win benchmark required for promotion.

He has taken part in 60 tournaments since his debut in the top Makunouchi division in 2008 and has competed in 71 Basho tournaments in sumo since 2006. He has won three Juryo Division Championships and two Makushita Division Championships.

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and President Giorgi Margvelashvili congratulated Tochinoshin on his success.

Congratulations @tochinoshin! Congratulations #Georgia ! Georgian #Sumo wrestler Levan Gorgadze is promoted to Ozeki! #GeorgiaWins #GrandSumo pic.twitter.com/1hUjTpff9i

— Giorgi Kvirikashvili (@KvirikashviliGi) May 30, 2018

I congratulate Levan Gorgadze @tochinoshin on his promotion to Ozeki rank! pic.twitter.com/C3gUF6yTfL

— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) May 30, 2018

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: Getty Images