Sumo: Former ozeki Tochinoshin

Sumo: Former ozeki Tochinoshin

Former ozeki-ranked sumo wrestler Tochinoshin, whose real name is Levan Gorgadze, poses for a photo at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on Sept. 18, 2023. Seen on the left is a poster of his retirement ceremony to be held on Feb. 4, 2024.

Sumo: Georgian former ozeki Tochinoshin retires

Sumo: Georgian former ozeki Tochinoshin retires

Georgian sumo wrestler Tochinoshin speaks to the press in Tokyo on May 19, 2023, as he announces his retirement. The wrestler, whose real name is Levan Gorgadze, competed at the traditional Japanese sport's second-highest rank of ozeki.

Sumo: Georgian Tochinoshin meets ozeki promotion criteria

Sumo: Georgian Tochinoshin meets ozeki promotion criteria

Sekiwake Tochinoshin (Back) beats his longtime nemesis Hakuho on Day 12 of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on May 24, 2018. With the victory, the 31-year-old Georgian, whose real name is Levan Gorgadze, has all but guaranteed his promotion to ozeki. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Georgian Tochinoshin meets ozeki promotion criteria

Sumo: Georgian Tochinoshin meets ozeki promotion criteria

Sekiwake Tochinoshin is photographed in a dressing room after beating his longtime nemesis Hakuho on Day 12 of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on May 24, 2018. With the victory, the 31-year-old Georgian, whose real name is Levan Gorgadze, has all but guaranteed his promotion to ozeki. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo

Sumo: Georgian Tochinoshin meets ozeki promotion criteria

Sumo: Georgian Tochinoshin meets ozeki promotion criteria

Sekiwake Tochinoshin (R) beats his longtime nemesis Hakuho on Day 12 of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo on May 24, 2018. With the victory, the 31-year-old Georgian, whose real name is Levan Gorgadze, has all but guaranteed his promotion to ozeki. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo