In May 2024, Kirishima lost his ozeki rank, a major setback for one of sumo’s rising stars. Now, just under two years later, the Mongolian wrestler has earned the right to reclaim the rank following his victory at the Spring Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka. It was his third Emperor’s Cup triumph and his first since 2023.
Going into the weekend, Kirishima had a 12-1 record, two ahead of his closest contenders, Yokozuna Hoshoryu and Maegashira Kotoshoho. He lost to Ozeki Aonishiki on Saturday, but was confirmed as the winner following Hoshoryu and Kotoshoho’s defeats. Kirishima finished with a 12-3 record after being overpowered by Ozeki Kotozakura on the final day.
Kirishima wins his second yusho (c. 2023) | Image: SumoWiki
Promotion to Ozeki All But Certain
“It felt really heavy, holding it for the first time in a while. Today’s my mother’s birthday and I’m able to send her the best present,” said Kirishima after lifting the trophy. Reflecting on his comeback, he added, “I didn’t give up after getting demoted and kept working hard, believing I’d get back there one day.”
Kirishima also impressed in his previous two tournaments, posting 11-4 records in both. His return to ozeki is now all but certain. Usually, the promotion standard to the sport’s second-highest rank is 33 wins over three meets fighting as sekiwake or komusubi. Japan Sumo Association chairperson Hakkaku has accepted a request to convene an extraordinary board meeting to formally consider his promotion.
Lkhagvasuren as a child | Image: SumoWiki
About Kirishima
Born Byambachuluun Lkhagvasuren, he grew up in a nomadic community in Dornod Province, near the border between China and Russia. At 17, he moved to the capital of Ulaanbaatar to practice judo and Mongolian wrestling (bökh), alongside future Yokozuna Hoshoryu. In 2014, Kirishima and four other Mongolians were invited to try sumo at Michinoku stable.
He made his professional debut in May 2015 and reached the top makuuchi division less than five years later. His first top division championship came in March 2023. He followed that up with a second Emperor’s Cup in November of that year after being promoted to ozeki. However, injuries and poor form led to his demotion to sekiwake in 2024.
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Updated On March 23, 2026
