Sumo Wrestlers Jettisoned After Illegal Gambling Probe

Two Japanese sumo wrestlers have been sidelined from the sport for their alleged involvement in illegal gambling.

The Japanese Sumo Association’s (JSA) compliance committee confirmed this week that elite makuuchi division wrestler Hidenoumi and second-tier juryo-division wrestler Shiden were targeted.

They are believed to have visited an underground gambling establishment that operated out of a store in the city of Sōka, Saitama Prefecture.

Japanese media reported that the gambling den was raided by police in September, and its management and customers were arrested. It’s not clear if the two wrestlers were present during the raids. Both were interviewed by Saitama Prefecture police on Jan. 7, according to reports.

Strict Traditions
On Thursday, the JSA committee reported its findings to the association’s President Hakkaku. A decision on how the wrestlers will be punished is expected on Jan. 27. They are likely to face lengthy bans.

Both Hidenoumi and Shiden have been excluded from the ongoing New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo.

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