Mongolian yokozuna Asashoryu has decided to extend his stay in his home country for treatment of his injured left elbow, making it highly unlikely that he will wrestle in the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, his stable master Takasago said Thursday.
Asashoryu has notified Takasago of his decision to delay his return to Japan for five days and is now scheduled to arrive back in Tokyo next Wednesday, just four days before the opening of the Kyushu meet at Fukuoka Kokusai Center.
"His decision means he wants to focus fully on healing his injury," Takasago said. "He has a torn muscle and (Japan Sumo Association) chairman Musashigawa has given the nod for his latest plan, though I can't say clearly at the moment whether he will sit out the tournament or not."