Sekiwake Aonishiki Holds Press Conference After Nagoya Tournament Victory
Sekiwake Aonishiki, after winning the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament for the third time in three tournaments, held a press conference on July 27 in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture. He spoke about his feelings following his demotion from Ozeki, expressing regret and a strong desire to prove he is more than that. Aonishiki also discussed injuries to his left ankle and both big toes, and credited his stablemaster Anagawa for support, vowing to continue following his guidance and aim for the highest rank.
In the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament, Sekiwake Aonishiki won his third championship after a gap of three tournaments. The day after the senshuraku, on July 27, he held a press conference in Nisshin, Aichi Prefecture, and spoke about his feelings after being demoted from Ozeki: 'Being demoted from Ozeki made me feel regret. I strongly wanted to show everyone a winning performance that proves I am not just this.'
In addition to the left ankle injury that had been troubling him, Aonishiki also injured his left big toe area on the eighth day. After the senshuraku bout, the nail on his right big toe also fell off.
Regarding not using a henka at the tachiai despite not being in perfect condition, Aonishiki reflected: 'That is not my style. Fighting without regrets is my most important theme.'
Supporting him through the difficulties was a strong master-disciple relationship. He said that from the words and expressions of his stablemaster Anagawa (former Sekiwake Anbishiki), he felt that 'my master believes I can do it,' and so he fought hard. 'From the moment I won the championship, I really wanted to see my master as soon as possible. This time felt a little different from before. I have always followed my master's teachings, and that was absolutely right. I will continue to follow his guidance and aim for the highest rank,' Aonishiki expressed such determination at the press conference.