Georgian sumo wrestler Tochinoshin’s retirement ceremony held in Japan
In his address, Lezhava highlighted Gorgadze’s “immeasurable” contribution to “strengthening the bond” between Georgia and Japan, noting “Georgia has two eras in Japan: before Tochinoshin won the championship and after”. Photo via Teimuraz Lezhava/Facebook
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The retirement ceremony, also known as dampatsu-shiki - a hair-cutting ceremony, of Georgian sumo wrestler Levan Gorgadze, known in the sports community as Tochinoshin, was held on Sunday in Japan, after the Georgian athlete announced his retirement in May 2023.
Georgian Ambassador to Japan, Teimuraz Lezhava attended the ceremony, dedicated to the career of Tochinoshin, which spanned 17 years and included five - three Juryo Division Championships and two Makushita Division titles.
In his address, Lezhava highlighted Gorgadze’s “immeasurable” contribution to “strengthening the bond” between Georgia and Japan, noting “Georgia has two eras in Japan: before Tochinoshin won the championship and after”.
Photo via Teimuraz Lezhava/Facebook
The Ambassador emphasised the Georgian sumo wrestler “has won the hearts” of many Japanese fans, pointing out his “endeavours and efforts” on the rink and wishing him success in the future.
Born in Georgia’s central-eastern city of Mtskheta, Tochinoshin entered 74 professional sumo tournaments and scored 27 wins since his debut in March 2006, claiming eleven special prizes, six for fighting spirit, three for technique, and two for outstanding performance, as well as two kinboshi or gold stars for defeating yokozuna.
He claimed the title of the Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament in 2018 and became the first Georgian athlete to win the Emperor’s Cup, and was awarded Georgia’s prestigious state Order of Honour for promoting the country abroad and the Knight of Sports of Georgia.