No women allowed inside sumo ring. Judge tells women trying to give first aid to collapsed mayor

TOKYO: A judge's strict adherence to a sumo tradition that bars women from the ring has ignited a gender discrimination row this week.

The judge at a sumo event held in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, on Wednesday, told several women who had entered the ring to give first aid treatment to a collapsed mayor to stay away.

Maizuru Mayor Ryozo Tatami, 66, was delivering a speech in the ring when he suddenly collapsed from subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Several women in the audience rushed into the sumo ring to help with the life-saving efforts. But the judge repeatedly announced via loudspeakers that they should get out of the ring, reported local media.

Sumo wrestlers have long maintained the ring is a sacred place where females are forbidden to enter.

The judge's actions rekindled the public criticism of the tradition and prompted Japan Sumo Association Chairman Hakkaku to later issue a statement of apology.

"The judge was upset and made the announcement, but it was an inappropriate response because the situation could have been life-threatening," Hakkaku said in the statement.

"We extend a deep apology," he said. He also said the association "deeply thanks the women for giving first-aid treatment."

The mayor was rushed to a hospital and underwent surgery. His condition is stable and not life-threatening, one of his secretaries told The Japan Times on Thursday (April 5) morning by phone. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network