MAIZURU, Kyoto -- An announcement was made over the PA system urging several women to step down from the dohyo ring during a Grand Sumo spring regional tour in Maizuru, Kyoto, on Wednesday after the women climbed up onto the dohyo to provide first aid to the city mayor, who had collapsed in the ring.
In the jungyo regional tour, which kicked off at a gymnasium in Maizuru Bunka Park on the same morning, a number of events were held, including bouts by wrestlers in the uppermost makuuchi division, such as yokozuna Hakuho and Kakuryu.
According to sources, including the tour's local executive committee, at a little past 2 p.m., while giving an address, Mayor Ryozo Tatami, 67, suddenly collapsed onto his back. Several women stepped up into the ring and performed first aid including cardiac massage until an ambulance crew arrived. An announcement was made several times in the gymnasium, saying, "Women are kindly requested to step down from the ring," the sources said.
Tatami was taken to hospital, but is reportedly conscious and able to talk.
An official of the executive committee said, "We are aware that the announcement was made after [first aid] measures were handed over to the ambulance crew."
Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku issued a statement, saying: "We are deeply grateful to the women who kindly gave first aid on the spot. The request [to step down from the dohyo ring] was made by a gyoji referee who was in a panic, but it was an inappropriate response to a situation that could have threatened a human life."
"We deeply apologize," Hakkaku added.
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