In brief
In a remarkable achievement, Danylo Yavhusishyn, under the ring name Aonishiki, has made history as the first Ukrainian to win the prestigious Emperor's Cup in sumo wrestling. After moving to Japan as a refugee following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the 21-year-old has quickly risen through the ranks, poised for a potential promotion to Ozeki - one of the highest ranks in sumo. His triumph came during the 15-day tournament in Fukuoka, where he finished with 12 wins and three losses, ultimately defeating Yokozuna grand champion Hoshoryu in the championship match.
A Ukrainian refugee has become the first person from his country to win an elite-level sumo tournament.
Danylo Yavhusishyn - known by his sumo ring name Aonishiki - arrived in Japan as an 18-year-old in 2022 after the Russian invasion of his country.
Now aged 21, he is the first Ukrainian to claim the prized Emperor's Cup and the first European in almost eight years to do so.
He is now on the verge of being promoted to the second-highest rank of Ozeki, in what would be the fastest promotion in history.
Aonishiki finished the 15-day tournament in Fukuoka, Japan, with a record of 12 wins and three losses and went on to win the championship play-off against Yokozuna grand champion Hoshoryu, a 26-year-old Mongolian who won last month's London tournament.
In his winning ceremony interview, Aonishiki was asked if he felt satisfied with his results after three years in sumo. No, I think this is just the beginning, he replied.
The name Aonishiki contains the Japanese character for blue - a reference to the Ukrainian flag.
Aonishiki first tried sumo aged seven after also practicing judo and freestyle wrestling. He impressed in youth amateur sumo competitions and fled to Germany with his family after Russia's invasion. He moved to Japan by himself in April 2022 without knowing the language, aided by a university sumo club captain he met previously.
Despite his relatively short time in professional sumo, Aonishiki has garnered fans in Japan and worldwide due to his skills and competitiveness. He often showcases seldom-used techniques, earning praise from professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Having been one of the most cheered wrestlers at the Grand Sumo Tournament in London, he is tipped to become the first-ever European to reach sumo's highest rank of Yokozuna grand champion.
