Yokozuna Takanohana is fit and ready to make a comeback to the raised ring at the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, father and stablemaster Futagoyama said Thursday.
Takanohana, who has won the Emperor's Cup 20 times but is winless since September 1998, was forced to sit out the autumn tourney after spraining his left elbow during the Nagoya meet in July.
"He told me that he is ready and I told him to give it a shot. Since he has decided that, I expect him to perform as best as he can, injury or no injury," Futagoyama said.
On Thursday, Takanohana wrestled with his left arm unprotected and showed no signs of discomfort during practice bouts with makushita junior division grapplers.