Japan Sumo Association governs the traditional Japanese sport of sumo wrestling, a combat sport in which 2 wrestlers, known as rikishi, compete inside a circular ring called a dohyo. If you access the official 1xBet platform in Nepal, you can also bet on the 2 wrestlers who challenge each other on the dohyo too.
The objective is simple: force the opponent out of the ring or make any part of his body other than the soles of his feet touch the ground. Despite these basic goals, sumo contains 3 elements that shape the sport, which are:
- detailed traditions;
- lots of techniques;
- and many regulations.
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A sumo match takes place on a raised clay platform approximately 15 feet in diameter (4,57 meters). Wrestlers begin behind 2 starting lines known as shikirisen. Before the bout starts, they perform ceremonial rituals, including crouching, stomping, and throwing salt into the ring to purify the area according to Shinto traditions. Once both wrestlers place their fists near the lines, the referee, called the gyoji, signals the beginning of the contest.
Short but intense fights
Matches are usually very short, often lasting only a few seconds. Wrestlers attempt to overpower each other using pushing, throwing, lifting, and tripping techniques. There are officially 82 recognized winning techniques, known as kimarite. Common examples include yorikiri, where a wrestler forces his opponent out while holding the belt, and oshidashi, a frontal push-out technique.
Although sumo allows intense physical contact, several actions are forbidden. There are many illegal moves. 5 of them are pulling hair, punching with a closed fist, choking, eye-gouging, and grabbing the opponent’s groin area on the mawashi, the heavy belt worn during competition. Kicking is also prohibited, although leg sweeps and trips are permitted. A wrestler who performs an illegal action automatically loses the match.
Judges surrounding the ring help determine the winner in difficult situations. If the referee’s decision is disputed, the judges may hold a conference called a mono-ii to review the action, sometimes using video replay. In rare cases, a rematch, called torinaoshi, may be ordered if no clear winner can be determined.
Sumo wrestling combines 3 elements: athletic skill, discipline and centuries-old ritual. Its rules are designed not only to determine victory fairly but also to preserve the traditions and spirit of one of Japan’s oldest sports.
