PM Kvirikashvili thanks Georgian sumo wrestler Tochinoshin for enhancing Georgian-Japanese ties

The Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has hosted famous Georgian sumo wrestler Levan Gorgadze, also known as Tochinoshin, who has made history this year by winning the Sumo Grand Championship and upgrading his title to Ozeki, which is the second highest rank in the sport.

Tochinoshin, who is the first Georgian and the third European holder of the title, returned back to the homeland this week and was immediately awarded with the top state title of the Knight of Sports of Georgia.

An important bridge was built between the Georgian and Japanese people by Tochinoshin’s victories. Now he is Georgia’s top face in Japan,” Kvirikashvili stated.

Despite the large distance between Georgia and Japan, our people have many common characteristics. Tochinoshin’s role is important for introducing Georgia to the Japanese people,” Kvirikashvili said.

Meeting with Levan Gorgadze @tochinoshin - We are proud and grateful for his achievements! pic.twitter.com/x3DpZ3Bmns

— President Of Georgia (@MargvelashviliG) June 5, 2018

During the most recent sumo championship, which was completed on May 26, Tochinoshin became the vice-champion with 13 victories and two losses. During his 13th fight he broke his hand which made it complicated for him to win the competition.

Despite the trauma he continued to fight and won one out of two remaining fights.

Born in Mtskheta, Georgia, Gorgadze has competed in 71 basho tournaments in sumo since 2006. He has won three Juryo Division Championships and two Makushita Division Championships.

Ozeki is the second-highest rank of sumo with only one step remaining to gain the highest title in the sport - Yokozuna.

If Tochinoshin wins two following Grand Sumo Championships and shows positive balance in the third one, he will become the first European Yokozuna.

The Grand Sumo Championships are held six times a year. This year three competitions have already been completed starting in December, February and March. Three following championships will take place in July, September and November.