[sumo] Asashoryu poised to return home (Sunday Kyodo News)

[Patrick Bal]

Sunday, Aug. 26, 2007



Kyodo News

Troubled yokozuna Asashoryu could leave for Mongolia to undergo treatment
for a mental disorder as early as next Wednesday, sumo sources said
Saturday. According to the sources, the Japan Sumo Association is to hold an
executive committee meeting in order to rubber-stamp the grand champion's
return to his homeland sometime between Sunday and the day before he leaves.
"What has been decided by the executive committee will be reviewed one more
time by the committee," said JSA Chairman Kitanoumi. "Asashoryu is a
yokozuna but first and foremost he is a human being. We will monitor his
situation a little bit longer but if it (his condition) gets any worse then
it becomes the responsibility of the sumo association." "We will respect the
doctor's opinion and leave the verdict up to him," said Kitanoumi.