Nagoya¡¯s annual grand sumo tournament is famous for its sweltering summer atmosphere, with spectators furiously fanning themselves, and a slippery ring surface both hallmarks of the meet.

This July, however, most of the heat in Japan¡¯s national sport is being generated 11,000 kilometers away in the U.S. state of Alabama.

The competition at the World Games ¡ª a quadrennial multi-sport event focused on non-Olympic disciplines ¡ª has dominated the sumo conversation over the past few days.