More injury woes for yokozuna Kakuryu

Mongolian-born grand sumo champion Yokozuna Kakuryu performs the New Year's ring-entering rite at the annual celebration for the New Year at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Japan, January 7, 2016. REUTERS/Yuya Shino

TOKYO (Reuters) - Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu pulled out of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on Wednesday, prompting stable master Izutsu to voice concern that the latest injury setback may force the 31-year-old into premature retirement.

Kakuryu got off to a winning start in the 15-day meet at Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium but sustained a foot injury during his first loss of the tournament against second-ranked maegashira Hokutofuji on Tuesday.