FUKUOKA - Ukrainian ozeki Aonishiki resumed practice bouts on Thursday ahead of the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament after refraining from sparring since the final day of the previous meet in September to focus on recovering from injuries.
"It's good to be able to go into the tournament without any unnecessary concerns," Aonishiki said after winning all 21 training bouts in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture.
Revealing that he planned to engage in more than 20 bouts to get accustomed to match-style training again, Aonishiki said, "My body moved well, and I didn't feel bad."
The 22-year-old Aonishiki won his first title at the Kyushu meet in Fukuoka last year, earning promotion to the sport's second-highest rank.
Noting that he was "only focused on competing" at the next tournament starting on Nov. 8, Aonishiki, who has been dealing with left ankle and toe injuries, said, "I'm in better condition than I was at the previous tournament."
His stablemaster Ajigawa said Aonishiki's ankle has improved considerably, although concerns remain over the area around the base of his toe, as the ozeki aims for his fourth Emperor's Cup in Fukuoka.
