[sumo] Kotonomine Retires

[Jeanne Hedge]

 From Jonosuke:

As expected by everyone, former Juryo Kotonomine, 35, of Sadogatake 
Beya announced his retirement.

Kotonomine made his dohyo debut at the 1988 Haru Basho, the same 
basho former yokozuna Wakaohana, Takanohana, Akebono and ozeki Kaio 
made theirs. In fact he was the first rikishi to beat Akebono which 
he did at the 1988 Natsu Basho.

It took him 85 basho but finally at the 2002 Natsu Basho, he made it 
to Juryo. He stayed in Juryo for four basho.

Recently his old knee injury got significantly worsened and he went 
on kyujo after his first bout on Day 2 this basho.

"I did everything I could have possibly done. I was blessed with 
extraordinary 'classmates' who joined at the same time with me. I 
leave with a full of wonderful memory," Kotonomine said.

He is planning to go back to his home in Fukuoka after completing his 
Danpatsu ceremony in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture on March 24.