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.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.