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Following suspension, Asashoryu reported suffering depression; may be allowed to return to Mongolia |
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Wednesday, 08 August 2007 |
 The Japan Sumo Association
is weighing whether to allow Mongolian sumo grand champion Asashoryu
to return to Mongolia. Two doctors have independently confirmed the
yokozuna is suffering from acute stress and possible depression.
On August 1, Asashoryu was
suspended from competing in two upcoming tournaments by the Japan Sumo
Association. This followed Asashoryu’s not competing in a summer tournament
after claiming to be suffering from a fractured lower back and a damaged
ligament.
However, while recuperating
in Mongolia, he was spotted playing in a charity soccer match. An inquiry
followed and Asashoryu received a temporary suspension. He is the first
yokozuna to have ever been so disciplined.
"Even when you try talking
to him, he is emotionless and doesn't respond," Hiroyuki Yoshida,
chief of the JSA's medical clinic Yoshida told the Kyodo news agency.
"He needs treatment and recuperation at home. In order for him
to break out of this emotional state returning to Mongolia is one option."
"He has been watching
TV with the sound turned off and not speaking. He doesn't eat and is
just drinking a little soup. This is not a case of him just sulking
or a faked illness," Yoshida said.
Though confined to his house
by order of the suspension, the Japan Sumo Association may hold an emergency
meeting to consider allowing Asashoryu to return to Mongolia to recover.
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