Yokozuna Takanohana has definite plans to compete in the Aki Basho at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan. It will be his first appearance on the dohyo since May 2001; he has been absent for a record (for a yokozuna) seven consecutive tournaments.
All eyes will be on Takanohana at the Aki Basho as he returns to the dohyo following a long layoff due to a serious knee injury he suffered in May 2001.Takanohana has done virtually no training in the last 15 months and is likely to be totally out of shape and in the poorest condition of his career in September. However, he has no choice but to compete, as the president of the Sumo Kyokai, Kitanoumi Oyakata, has served notice that Takanohana will be expected to retire if he cannot compete.