Sumo's Beckham Makes Breakthrough for Europe
A Bulgarian wrestler nicknamed "sumo's Beckham" yesterday became the first European to rise to the rank of champion in the ancient Japanese sport at a time when homegrown wrestlers are struggling to compete with foreign challengers.
Kotooshu, whose real name is Kaloyan Stefanov Mahlyanov, was promoted to ozeki after his impressive performances in a tournament that ended on Sunday.
At 6ft 8in he is the tallest wrestler in sumo, and has fast become one of the most popular. Since his 2002 debut he has become an ozeki faster than any wrestler since 1958.
Kotooshu, whose real name is Kaloyan Stefanov Mahlyanov, was promoted to ozeki after his impressive performances in a tournament that ended on Sunday.
At 6ft 8in he is the tallest wrestler in sumo, and has fast become one of the most popular. Since his 2002 debut he has become an ozeki faster than any wrestler since 1958.
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