FUKUOKA - Yokozuna Hoshoryu said Thursday he will return to action at the upcoming Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament after leg injuries hampered him at recent meets.
As one of the two grand champions, along with Onosato, the Mongolian-born Hoshoryu pulled out midway through the May tournament after injuring his right hamstring.
After missing the July meet and having knee surgery later in the month, the 27-year-old skipped the Autumn meet in September.
However, Hoshoryu joined sumo's regional tour midway through October and looked sharp in practice after arriving in Fukuoka, where the 15-day Kyushu tournament will be held.
Revealing that he had made the decision after discussing the matter with his stablemaster Tatsunami on Wednesday, Hoshoryu said he wants to show sumo fans that he has regained his health.
"I want to show the fans that I'm doing well," Hoshoryu said after morning training in Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture.
"After getting injured and having surgery, I was full of frustration," he said. "Now I just want the tournament to start as soon as possible. I'm excited."
Hoshoryu has failed to win an Emperor's Cup since his promotion to the highest rank in the March tournament last year.
The Kyushu tourney opening Sunday at Fukuoka Kokusai Center will be his 11th as yokozuna.
If he fails to win the title, Hoshoryu will tie former yokozuna Asashio, Kashiwado and Wakanohana III for the longest championship drought after promotion to the highest rank under the current six-tournament calendar introduced in 1958.
