Kazakh Sumo Wrestler Yersin Baltgul Leads Elite Tournament in Historic Run at Tokyo's Kokugikan

At Tokyo's Kokugikan sumo palace, one of Japan's most prestigious elite division tournaments is nearing completion, reports Orda.kz, citing sports journalist Ivan Rezvantsev's Telegram channel.

Unexpectedly, Kazakh wrestler Yersin Baltgul, fighting under the name Kimbodzan Hiruki (190cm, 180kg), has become January's basho star.

After nine rounds, he leads the tournament. Yersin Baltgul remains the only undefeated wrestler in January's basho.

Mongolian Chiyoshoma (8-1) and Japanese wrestlers Oho and Takerufuji (7-2) follow him. The Imperial tournament ends on January 26, with elite division wrestlers having five matches remaining.

 Kimbodzan Hiruki is Kazakhstan's first and only wrestler to reach the elite ranks.

Yersin Baltgul, born in the Almaty region, practiced judo for many years. He went to Japan on advice from famous Mongolian wrestler Asashoryu Akinori (Morning Blue Dragon).

His fighting name honors the mountain overlooking Kumamoto prefecture, his mentor Kise's homeland.

Sumo allows limited foreign wrestlers. The Kazakh gained professional status after Georgian giant Teimuraz Jugeli (Gagamaru Masaru) retired, creating a vacancy.

Last September, our countryman performed poorly in the spring basho and lost his elite status. At the start of 2025, the 26-year-old Rikishi from Kazakhstan returned to the top league and emerged as a leader.

Original Author: Rimma Karatayeva