PARIS - Sumo wrestlers Wakamotoharu and Abi visited a local elementary school and mingled with children in Paris on Friday, a day before the opening of a two-day exhibition tournament in the French capital.
Wakamotoharu, who formerly held sumo's third-highest rank of sekiwake, was hugged by one of the children as he was leaving. With a smile, he said, "It was a lot of fun. We don't really have a custom of hugging, so I was happy."
Welcomed by around 180 students with a song, Wakamotoharu and Abi drew cheers as they wrestled with several of the children.
When asked how one can become a sumo wrestler, Wakamotoharu lightened the mood by joking, "I'm looking forward to your phone call anytime."
Abi, also a former sekiwake, praised the children, saying, "They are energetic and have great communication skills. I was encouraged by them."
About 130 wrestlers and officials are in Paris for the exhibition tournament on Saturday and Sunday, the third such event in the city.
