Asanoyama has received a six-tournament suspension from the Japan Sumo Association for repeated violations of the organization’s COVID-19 protocols.
The ozeki was also hit with a 50% reduction in pay for the next six months and will likely find himself in the sport’s fourth division by the time he is allowed compete again.
Although twice as long as the ban handed down to maegashira Abi last August for similar offenses, on balance Asanoyama’s punishment seems appropriate.
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