Hakuho Looks To Become Japanese Citizen

Looking to affirm himself as an elder of the sport he’s dominated for almost two decades, Hakuho has applied to renounce his Mongolian citizenship.

The move comes as the 34-year old looks to become a Japanese citizen, which is required by all foreign wrestlers looking to become sumo elders.

Hakuho, real name Munkhbat Davaajargal’s request has been covered extensively in his native Mongolia, where his father Jigjid is a national hero in the sports of wrestling, as the nation’s first Olympic medalist.“Now I just have to wait for the outcome,” Hakuho said at the ongoing regional Spring tournament in Tokyo after news of his request surfaced.

“That’s it at this point in time, it’s too early to say anything yet,” he added.

“Not only is Japan the country that nurtured me, but I simply love sumo,” the winner of over 1,120 career matches told reporters.

Hakuho looks to continue in the sport until the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, the same city his father made his Olympic debut in 1964.

Initial Report: Japan Times