Sekiwake Asanoyama has been promoted to sumo's second-highest rank of ozeki for the next tournament, the Japan Sumo Association unanimously decided at a special meeting in Osaka on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old Asanoyama, born Hiroki Ishibashi in Toyama Prefecture, will debut in the rank during the Summer Grand Tournament scheduled to start May 10 in Tokyo at the Ryogoku Kokugikan.
A JSA messenger visited the wrestler's Takasago stable to deliver the news to Asanoyama and his stable master Takasago, formerly ozeki Asashio.
"I will not embarrass the ozeki title," Asanoyama said. "I will adore sumo, do it justice as a wrestler and give my utmost effort."
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