Mongolian Asashoryu promoted to ozeki

Mongolian Asashoryu promoted to ozeki

KANIE, Japan - Mongolian sumo wrestler Asahshoryu (3rd from L) smiles at his stable's lodging house in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 24 as he breaks open a wooden barrel of sake to celebrate his promotion from sekiwake to ozeki, sumo's second-highest rank. Asashoryu is the first Mongolian and fourth foreigner to become ozeki.

Mongolian sekiwake Asashoryu meets press

Mongolian sekiwake Asashoryu meets press

NAGOYA, Japan - Mongolian sekiwake Asashoryu (L) smiles during a press conference with his stable master Takasago at a hotel in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 22, one day after he ended the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament with a 12-3 record. The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) basically approved the promotion of sekiwake Asashoryu to ozeki on July 21, making him the first Mongolian and fourth foreigner to attain sumo's second highest rank.

Asashoryu beams on news he will be promoted to ozeki

Asashoryu beams on news he will be promoted to ozeki

NAGOYA, Japan - Sekiwake Asashoryu (L), standing with his stable master Takasago, beams in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 21 on reports he will be promoted to ozeki, making him the first Mongolian and fourth foreigner to attain sumo's second highest rank. He finished the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament with a 12-3 record.

Mongolian Asashoryu promoted to ozeki

Mongolian Asashoryu promoted to ozeki

KANIE, Japan - Mongolian sumo wrestler Asahshoryu (3rd from L) smiles at his stable's lodging house in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 24 as he breaks open a wooden barrel of sake to celebrate his promotion from sekiwake to ozeki, sumo's second-highest rank. Asashoryu is the first Mongolian and fourth foreigner to become ozeki.

Mongolian sekiwake Asashoryu meets press

Mongolian sekiwake Asashoryu meets press

NAGOYA, Japan - Mongolian sekiwake Asashoryu (L) smiles during a press conference with his stable master Takasago at a hotel in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 22, one day after he ended the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament with a 12-3 record. The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) basically approved the promotion of sekiwake Asashoryu to ozeki on July 21, making him the first Mongolian and fourth foreigner to attain sumo's second highest rank.

Asashoryu beams on news he will be promoted to ozeki

Asashoryu beams on news he will be promoted to ozeki

NAGOYA, Japan - Sekiwake Asashoryu (L), standing with his stable master Takasago, beams in the town of Kanie, Aichi Prefecture, on July 21 on reports he will be promoted to ozeki, making him the first Mongolian and fourth foreigner to attain sumo's second highest rank. He finished the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament with a 12-3 record.