History Maker - Ukrainian sumo wrestler shocked to win first title

TOPSHOT - Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn, also known by his Japanese ring name Aonishiki Arata (left), receives the Prime Minister's Cup trophy after winning the Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka on November 23, 2025. -- Photo by JIJI PRESS / AFP

Tokyo, Nov 24, 2025 (AFP) - Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn said Monday that he had surprised even himself by becoming the first from his country to win a tournament in the ancient Japanese sport.

The 21-year-old, who fled the war in Ukraine three years ago, is set to be promoted to sumo's second-highest rank this week after winning the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.