OSAKA -- Injury-prone yokozuna Wakanohana announced his retirement from sumo Thursday night after staying at the summit of the traditional Japanese sport for nearly two years along with younger brother Takanohana.
The announcement came hours after the 29-year-old Wakanohana suffered his third loss in a lopsided bout five days into the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament at Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium at the hands of sekiwake Tochiazuma.
Stablemaster and father Futagoyama said he accepted Wakanohana's decision to retire during discussions after Thursday's bouts and will make a formal resignation offer to the Japan Sumo Association on Friday.