Grand Sumo Tournament to be held at London’s Royal Albert Hall
Getty ImagesThe Royal Albert Hall will be transformed into the ‘Temple of Sumo’ as it hosts the Grand Sumo Championship for the second time.
Next October, more than 40 of Japan’s elite rikishi (rikishi) will compete over five days for the title of Yokozuna, the highest level of championship.
The venue will feature real gourds (rings) of earth and sand and a roof “reminiscent of a shrine.”
The Kensington venue previously hosted the event in 1991.
Getty ImagesDonagh Collins, chief executive of event promoter Askonas Holt, said it was “very unusual and rare” for the event to be held outside Japan..
Next October’s event will be held outside Japan for the first time in 20 years.
Royal Albert Hall chief executive James Ainscough said six tournaments a year were held every two months, so it took a while to find a match in the Royal Albert Hall diary. Championships are held in a space that matches the pace. .
Getty ImagesFormer Chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, Hakkaku Tatetsucho Yokozuna North Sea(Hokutoumi is the ring name) said: “I will make every effort to convey the charm of sumo, an ancient Japanese traditional culture, to the people of London and ensure that everyone can enjoy this event.”
Hakkaku, who won the 1991 tournament, added: “I look forward to seeing many of you there.”
public mediaHiroshi Suzuki, Japan’s ambassador to the UK, describes the sport as “a synthesis of Japanese culture and tradition” and is attracting a growing international following.
public mediaMr Anscow said the last championship, held in London 33 years ago, “captured the imagination of the country”.
“I’m really excited to see the impact sumo has on the heart and mind,” he added.
Asked whether there would be affordable tickets, he told BBC London there would be “a variety of tickets”.
“We also want great coverage on TV so even if you can’t make it to London you can watch it,” he added.
