Asashoryu becomes 1st Mongolian ozeki

Asashoryu becomes 1st Mongolian ozeki

KANIE, Japan - Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu holds up sea breams for a photo at his stable's lodging house in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 24 after his formal promotion from sekiwake to ozeki, sumo's second-highest ranking. Asashoryu, whose real name is Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, is the first Mongolian and fourth foreign wrestler to become ozeki. The sea bream, called tai in Japanese, is traditionally regarded as a celebratory fish. Asashoryu's parents, clad in traditional Mongolian clothes, stand behind him.

Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu promoted to ozeki

Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu promoted to ozeki

KANIE, Japan - Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu (2nd from L), flanked his stable master Takasago and Takasago's wife, meets emissaries from the Japan Sumo Association at his stable's lodging house in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 24 to be informed of his promotion from sekiwake to ozeki, sumo's second-highest rank. Asashoryu is the first Mongolian and fourth foreign wrestler to become an ozeki.

Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu promoted to ozeki

Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu promoted to ozeki

KANIE, Japan - Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu (2nd from L), flanked his stable master Takasago and Takasago's wife, meets emissaries from the Japan Sumo Association at his stable's lodging house in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 24 to be informed of his promotion from sekiwake to ozeki, sumo's second-highest rank. Asashoryu is the first Mongolian and fourth foreign wrestler to become an ozeki.

Asashoryu becomes 1st Mongolian ozeki

Asashoryu becomes 1st Mongolian ozeki

KANIE, Japan - Mongolian sumo wrestler Asashoryu holds up sea breams for a photo at his stable's lodging house in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 24 after his formal promotion from sekiwake to ozeki, sumo's second-highest ranking. Asashoryu, whose real name is Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, is the first Mongolian and fourth foreign wrestler to become ozeki. The sea bream, called tai in Japanese, is traditionally regarded as a celebratory fish. Asashoryu's parents, clad in traditional Mongolian clothes, stand behind him.