View source for Asashōryū Akinori

{{short description|Mongolian former sumo wrestler|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{hatnote|In this Japanese [[shikona]] name, the surname is Asashōryū.}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Good article}}
{{Infobox sumo wrestler
| native_name = {{nobold|朝青龍 明徳}}
| name        = Asashōryū Akinori
| image       = Sumo_May09_Asashoryu.jpg
| caption     = Asashōryū in the ring during the May 2009 sumo tournament
| birth_name  = Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj
| birth_date  = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1980|09|27}}
| birth_place = [[Ulaanbaatar]], [[Mongolian People's Republic]]
| height      = 184 cm
| weight      = {{convert|148|kg|lb st|abbr=on}}
| heya        = [[Takasago stable|Takasago]]
| rank        =
| record      = 669–173–76
| debut       = January 1999
| highestrank = Yokozuna (January 2003)
| yushos      = 25 (Makuuchi)<br />1 (Makushita)<br />1 (Sandanme)<br />1 (Jonidan)
| retireddate = 6 February 2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/100204/spf1002041524008-n1.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205142001/http://www.sanspo.com/sports/news/100204/spf1002041524008-n1.htm|url-status=dead|title=横綱朝青龍が引退を表明「世間を騒がせた」|archivedate=5 February 2010}}</ref>
| prizes      = Outstanding Performance (3)<br />Fighting Spirit (3)
| goldstars   = 1 ([[Musashimaru]])
| weburl      = http://ameblo.jp/asashoryu-yokozuna/
| update      = February 2015
}}
{{nihongo|'''Asashōryū Akinori'''|朝青龍 明徳||born 27 September 1980,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.jiji.com/jc/d4?p=mng124-jlp07666471&d=d4_spo |title=朝青龍 |work=[[Jiji Press]] |date=25 January 2009 |language=ja |access-date=25 September 2020}}</ref> as '''Dolgorsürengiin Dagvadorj''', [[Mongolian Cyrillic alphabet|Mongolian Cyrillic]]: Долгорсүрэнгийн Дагвадорж; {{IPA-mn|tɔɮgɔrsʊːrengiːn tagw̜atɔrt͡ʃ|}}|lead=yes}} is a Mongolian former professional [[sumo]] wrestler (''[[rikishi]]''). He was the 68th ''[[yokozuna]]'' in the history of the sport in [[Japan]], and in January 2003 he became the first Mongolian to reach sumo's highest rank. He was one of the most successful ''yokozuna'' ever.<ref>{{cite web | author= Kuroda, Joe| title=A Shot At the Impossible-Yokozuna Comparison Through The Ages | publisher=sumofanmag.com | url=http://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_5/Yokozuna.htm|date=February 2006 | access-date=4 June 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070627073522/http://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_5/Yokozuna.htm| archive-date= 27 June 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> In 2005, he became the first wrestler to win all six official tournaments (''[[honbasho]]'') in a single year. Over his entire career, he won 25 top division tournament championships, placing him fourth on the all-time list.
From 2004 until 2007, Asashōryū was sumo's sole ''yokozuna'' between the retirement of [[Musashimaru Kōyō|Musashimaru]] and the promotion of fellow Mongolian [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]], and was criticized at times by the media and the [[Japan Sumo Association]] for not upholding the standards of behaviour expected of a holder of such a prestigious rank.<ref>{{cite news|author=Fogarty, Philippa|title=Sumo world hit by giant troubles|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6998589.stm|date=18 September 2007|access-date=9 July 2008}}</ref> He became the first ''yokozuna'' in history to be suspended from competition in August 2007 when he participated in a charity [[Association football|football]] match in his home country despite having withdrawn from a regional sumo tour claiming injury.<ref name="suspension">{{cite web | title=Asashoryu suspended from next two grand tournaments | work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2007/08/02/sports/asashoryu-suspended-from-next-two-grand-tournaments/#.Vw2mL2fP2wM| date=2 August 2007 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160413015130/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2007/08/02/sports/asashoryu-suspended-from-next-two-grand-tournaments/#.Vw2mL2fP2wM| access-date=4 June 2009| archive-date=13 April 2016}}</ref> After a career filled with a multitude of other controversies, both on and off the ''[[dohyō]]'', his career was cut short when he retired from sumo in February 2010 after allegations that he assaulted a man outside a Tokyo nightclub.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8499380.stm|title=Mongolian sumo champion Asashoryu retires after brawl |date=4 February 2010|work=BBC|access-date=5 February 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100207132815/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8499380.stm| archive-date= 7 February 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>
==Early life and sumo background==
Asashōryū comes from an ethnic [[Mongol]] family with a strong background in [[Mongolian wrestling]], with his father and two of his elder brothers all achieving high ranks in the sport.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Frederick, Jim |title=Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj: Possessing the strength to lift an entire nation |magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/heroes/dolgorsuren_dagvadorj.html |access-date=9 July 2008 |date=28 April 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503093925/http://www.time.com/time/asia/2003/heroes/dolgorsuren_dagvadorj.html |archive-date=3 May 2008 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> He also trained in [[judo]] in Mongolia.<ref name="ubpost">{{cite web|title=Asashoryu resumes serious practice|publisher=UB Post|url=http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/index.php?Itemid=46&id=827&option=com_content&task=view|date=8 November 2007|access-date=9 July 2008|archive-date=7 December 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207204732/http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/index.php?Itemid=46&id=827&option=com_content&task=view|url-status=dead}}</ref> He originally came to Japan as an exchange student, together with his friend, the future [[Asasekiryū]], where they attended Meitoku Gijuku High School in [[Kōchi Prefecture]]. They both trained together at the sumo club there.<ref>{{cite news|author=Wallace, Bruce|title=He's put tradition on its ear|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-fg-sumo18feb18,0,5581863.story?page=1|date=18 February 2005|access-date=8 July 2008}}</ref>
==Early career==
He was recruited by the former ''[[Makuuchi#Ōzeki|ōzeki]]'' [[Asashio Tarō IV|Asashio]] of the Wakamatsu stable (now [[Takasago stable]]), who gave him the ''[[shikona]]'' of Asashōryū, literally "morning blue dragon",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hUEs2zZKgZd7wMGtNuxtzu48OOYQ|title=Sumo champ Asashoryu loved and hated even in defeat|date=27 January 2008|publisher=AFP|access-date=12 September 2009}}</ref> Asa being a regular prefix in the Wakamatsu stable. The second part of the ''shikona'', Akinori, is an alternative reading of Meitoku, the name of his high school.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/02/03/sumo/interesting-facts-sumo-yokozuna/|title=Interesting facts about sumo's 13 living former yokozuna|last=Gunning|first=John|date=3 February 2021|work=Japan Times|access-date=5 February 2021}}</ref> He made his professional debut in January 1999. At that time, fellow Mongolians [[Kyokushūzan Noboru|Kyokushūzan]] and [[Kyokutenhō Masaru|Kyokutenhō]] were in the top division and stars back in their home country, but Asashōryū was quick to overtake them both. He attained elite ''[[sekitori]]'' status in September 2000 by winning promotion to the ''[[jūryō]]'' division, and reached the top ''[[makuuchi]]'' division just two tournaments later in January 2001. In May 2001, he made his ''[[san'yaku]]'' debut at ''[[komusubi]]'' rank and earned his first ''[[sanshō (Sumo)|sanshō]]'' special prize, for Outstanding Performance.
In 2002, Asashōryū put together back-to-back records of 11–4, 11–4 and 12–3 and was promoted to sumo's second highest rank of ''ōzeki'' in July.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mongolian wrestler promoted to ozeki|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20020725a1.html|date=25 July 2002|access-date=9 July 2008}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In November 2002, he took his first top division tournament championship ''([[yūshō]]'') with a 14–1 record. It took Asashōryū only 23 tournaments from his professional debut to win his first top division title, the fastest ever at the time.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu claims title, continues to set records|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20021123a1.html|date=23 November 2002|access-date=9 July 2008}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In January 2003, he won his second straight championship. Shortly after the tournament, Asashōryū was granted the title of ''[[yokozuna (sumo)|yokozuna]]'', the highest rank in sumo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu gets yokozuna rank|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20030130a1.html|date=30 January 2003|access-date=21 May 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> His promotion coincided with the retirement of the injury-plagued [[Takanohana Kōji|Takanohana]], the last active Japanese born ''yokozuna'' until [[Kisenosato]] in January 2017.<ref name="maru">{{cite web|title=Maru:Sumo needs Japanese yokozuna|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20040130a1.html|date=30 January 2004|access-date=9 July 2008}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="Kisenaosato">{{cite web|title=Kisenato becomes first japanese born yokozuna almost two decades|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/01/25/sumo/kisenosato-becomes-first-japanese-born-yokozuna-almost-two-decades/#.WMMuTjuLSUk|date=25 January 2017|access-date=10 March 2017}}</ref>
==''Yokozuna'' career==
[[File:Yokozuna dohyou iri(asashouryu).ogv|200px|thumb|Yokozuna dohyou iri]]
[[File:SumoAsashoryu Detail.jpg|thumb|left|''Yokozuna'' career]]
While his first tournament as ''yokozuna'' ended in a disappointing 10–5 record, Asashōryū won a further twenty-three tournaments. Combined with his two ''yūshō'' as an ''ōzeki'', he had twenty-five career championships in the top division.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu Akinori Rikishi Information|publisher=Sumo Reference|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=878|access-date=4 June 2009}}</ref> This puts him in fourth place on the all-time list, behind only [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]], [[Taihō Kōki|Taihō]], and [[Chiyonofuji Mitsugu|Chiyonofuji]].<ref name="thunder">{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20100125b1.html|title=Hakuho steals Asa's thunder on final day|date=25 January 2010|work=Japan Times|access-date=25 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
[[File:Asashoryu tegata.jpg|thumb|right|Yokozuna Asashoryu original tegata (handprint & signature)]]
===2003===
Asashōryū nominally shared the ''yokozuna'' rank with [[Musashimaru Kōyō|Musashimaru]], but in fact his rival only fought a handful of bouts in 2003 due to injury.<ref>{{cite web|title=Musashimaru retires|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20031116a1.html|date=16 November 2003|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The two did not meet in competition all year. Asashōryū won his first championship as a ''yokozuna'' in May 2003 and came back from an injury sustained in the July tournament to win his third title of the year in September.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu bags Emperor's Cu|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20030921a1.html|date=21 September 2003|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Musashimaru announced his retirement in November, leaving Asashōryū as sumo's only ''yokozuna''.<ref name="maru"/>
===2004===
[[File:Asashoryu 2004.jpg|thumb|left|Performing the ''[[dohyō-iri]]'' in 2004]]
Asashōryū began 2004 with two consecutive perfect 15–0 tournament wins (''zensho-yūshō'') in January and March.<ref name="year">{{cite web|title=2004 was the year of Asashoryu in sumo|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20050101a1.html|date=1 January 2005|access-date=9 July 2008}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Nobody had attained a ''zensho-yūshō'' since 1996; yet Asashōryū went on to add three more such titles after 2004, for a career total of five. At that time only Taihō, with eight, and Chiyonofuji and Kitanoumi with seven, had recorded more 15–0 scores.<ref>{{cite web|title=Query result|publisher=Sumo Reference|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Query.aspx?columns=2&shikona=&shusshin=-1&heya=-1&op=%3E%3D&sum_wins=&sum_range=3&sum_first=1&group_by=rikishi&g_op=%3E%3D&having=1&form1_basho_nr=1&form1_rank=&form1_wins=15&form1_losses=&form1_year=&form1_month=&form1_m=on&form2_basho_nr=2&form2_rank=&form2_wins=&form2_losses=&form2_year=&form2_month=&n_basho=2&show_form=0|access-date=4 June 2009}}</ref> His unbeaten run continued into the first five days of the May 2004 tournament, giving him a winning streak of 35 bouts in total, the longest run since [[Chiyonofuji Mitsugu|Chiyonofuji]]'s 53 in 1988. Although he was then upset by ''[[maegashira]]'' [[Hokutōriki Hideki|Hokutōriki]], he gained revenge by defeating Hokutōriki in a playoff on the final day to claim the championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu nails Emperor's Cup|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20040524a1.html|date=24 May 2004|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> On 27 November 2004, Asashōryū became the first wrestler to win five tournaments in a year since Chiyonofuji achieved the feat in 1986, and won his ninth [[Emperor's Cup (sumo)|Emperor's Cup]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu wins Kyushu Basho|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20041128a1.html|date=28 November 2004|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Asashōryū's below average 9–6 score in the September ''basho'' of 2004, the only one he did not win, was attributed in part to the official ceremony for his marriage, which was held in August 2004 (although he had actually married in December 2002). The hectic social round that inevitably follows Japanese weddings affected his pre-tournament preparations, as it prevented him from doing any training.<ref name="year"/>
===2005===
[[File:Japon tokyo 0812a.jpg|thumb|right|Asashōryū receives the Prime Minister's Award for winning the May 2005 tournament.]]
He continued to dominate sumo in 2005, becoming the first wrestler ever to win all six ''[[honbasho]]'' (sumo tournaments) in the same year. The great ''yokozuna'' [[Taihō Kōki|Taihō]] achieved the feat of six consecutive tournament victories twice, but never in a calendar year.<ref>{{cite web|title=All yusho winners|publisher=Sumo Reference|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Yusho.aspx|access-date=4 June 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130119054644/http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Yusho.aspx| archive-date=19 January 2013| url-status= live}}</ref> Asashōryū lost only six bouts all year (0–1–0–2–2–1). One of those rare losses came on 11 September 2005, at the start of the September tournament when he dropped his first Day 1 bout during his tenure as ''yokozuna''. On 26 November 2005, a visibly emotional Asashōryū wept after winning his eighty-third bout of the year, (surpassing [[Kitanoumi Toshimitsu|Kitanoumi]]'s record set in 1978) and clinching the tournament at the same time.<ref name="wept">{{cite web|title=Asashoryu claims record 7th straight Emperor's Cup|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2005/11/27/sports/asashoryu-claims-record-7th-straight-emperors-cup/|date=27 November 2005|access-date=23 June 2021}}</ref> The six championships of 2005 (including two more 15–0 wins in January and May) combined with his victory from the final tournament of 2004, meant Asashōryū became the first man in sumo history to win seven consecutive tournament championships.<ref name="wept"/>
===2006===
Asashōryū's consecutive ''basho'' streak came to an end in January 2006, when ''ōzeki'' [[Tochiazuma Daisuke|Tochiazuma]] took the first tournament championship of the year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tochiazuma captures third Emperor's Cup title|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20060123a1.html|date=23 January 2006|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Asashōryū's performance in January was a surprisingly poor 11–4 but he successfully rebounded by winning the March tournament.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu beats Hakuho for 16th Cup|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20060327a1.html|date=27 March 2006|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, his six losses in those tournaments matched his loss total for all of 2005. In the May tournament, he sustained an injury to the ligaments in his elbow on the second day falling out of the ring in a surprising loss to [[Wakanosato Shinobu|Wakanosato]] and was visibly slow to rise from the ground.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu hurts arm in surprise loss|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20060509a1.html|date=9 May 2006|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He was absent from the tournament the next day and later released a statement confirming he was withdrawing from the tournament.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hakuho stays unbeaten in Summer Basho|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20060510a1.html|date=10 May 2006|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Doctors told him he would not be able to compete for two months, which meant he would miss the July tournament as well.<ref>{{cite web | title= Hakuho tied for lead as Asashoryu withdraws| work=Taipei Times | url=http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/sport/archives/2006/05/10/2003307274| date=10 May 2006| access-date=4 June 2007}}</ref> However, Asashōryū was ready by the start of the July tournament and won with a 14–1 record. In the following tournament, Asashōryū won his eighteenth career title with a 13–2 record.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu reigns again|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20060924a1.html|date=24 September 2006|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He also won the final tournament of 2006 for his nineteenth career title, the fifth he has won with a perfect 15–0 record.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asa runs table in Fukuoka|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20061127b1.html|date=27 November 2006|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
===2007===
In January 2007, Asashōryū posted a 14–1 record, his fourth straight championship since returning from injury, and became the fifth man to win twenty career championships.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu secures Emperor's Cup title|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20070121b1.html|date=21 January 2007|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In March, he dropped his first two bouts but then won thirteen in a row for a 13–2 score. However, this was not enough to win the title—he lost a playoff for the first time in his career, to fellow Mongolian [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Hakuho stuns Asa to win tourney|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20070326b1.html|date=26 March 2007|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In May he turned in a below par 10–5 record, losing to all four ''ōzeki'' and ''maegashira'' [[Aminishiki Ryūji|Aminishiki]] (although he appeared to be carrying an injury). Hakuhō won this tournament as well and was promoted to ''yokozuna'' immediately afterwards.<ref>{{cite web|title=Undefeated Hakuho dominates Asashoryu|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20070528b1.html|date=28 May 2007|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Asashōryū had been the sole ''yokozuna'' for a total of 21 tournaments since the retirement of Musashimaru in November 2003 – the longest period of time in sumo history. In July he lost to Aminishiki once again on the opening day but rallied to win the next fourteen bouts, taking his 21st title with a 14–1 record.<ref>{{cite web| title=Asashoryu wins battle of yokozuna, 21st title| work=[[Japan Times]]| url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20070723b1.html| date=23 July 2007| access-date=23 July 2007}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He was suspended by the Sumo Association from the next two tournaments (see below).
===2008===
[[File:Asashoryu Jan08.JPG|thumb|left|Asashōryū in January 2008]]
Asashōryū returned to tournaments in January 2008. On the final day, he faced Hakuhō in a battle of 13–1 ''yokozuna'', but was defeated, giving him a final record of 13–2.<ref>{{cite web|title=Hakuho wins dramatic final|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20080128b1.html|date=28 January 2008|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In March the two ''yokozuna'' faced off for the title again on the last day, marking only the fifth time in the last 30 years that two ''yokozuna'' have contested the championship on the last day of two consecutive tournaments.<ref>{{cite web|author=Buckton, Mark|title=Hakusho Part II raises more questions marks|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20080325mb.html|date=25 March 2008|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In this rematch, Asashōryū was the victor, winning his 22nd title, thus equalling [[Takanohana Kōji|Takanohana]]'s haul of tournament championships.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ganbayer, G.|title=Asashoryu Wins 22nd Emperor's Cup|publisher=UB Post|url=http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1572&Itemid=46|date=27 March 2008|access-date=9 July 2008|archive-date=2 April 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080402004815/http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1572&Itemid=46|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In the May tournament he lost to [[Kisenosato Yutaka|Kisenosato]] on the opening day. He injured his back in this match and subsequent losses to [[Kotoōshū Katsunori|Kotoōshū]] (the eventual winner of the tournament) and [[Chiyotaikai Ryūji|Chiyotaikai]] put him out of contention.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kotooshu keeps lead after yokozuna sweep|work=Japan Times|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20080523b1.html|date=23 May 2008|access-date=4 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Asashōryū got off to a bad start in the July tournament by losing to [[Toyonoshima Daiki|Toyonoshima]] on the first day. After a second loss to ''maegashira'' [[Tochinonada Taiichi|Tochinonada]] on day five, he pulled out of the tournament on the sixth day citing pain in his elbow.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5galal8Wyz8Ll2fQRa77GyNRNyYxg|title=Asashoryu storms out of Sumo tournament|publisher=[[Agence France-Presse]]|date=18 July 2008|access-date=18 July 2008| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080721060623/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5galal8Wyz8Ll2fQRa77GyNRNyYxg| archive-date= 21 July 2008 | url-status= live}}</ref> The September tournament unfolded in a similarly poor fashion. After compiling a lacklustre 5–4 record through the first nine days, Asashōryū forfeited his tenth-day match to ''maegashira'' [[Gōeidō Gōtarō|Gōeidō]] and withdrew. He had elbow pain, and presented a medical certificate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20080924b1.html|title=Hakuho retains lead; Asashoryu withdraws|work=[[Japan Times]]|date=24 September 2008|access-date=21 May 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
He returned to Mongolia in October 2008, staying until shortly before the tournament in [[Kyushu]] in November, which he did not enter. He stated that he would not withdraw for a third time partway through a tournament, and suggested that he would retire if his comeback proved unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asa goes home; may miss tourney|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20081007a1.html|date=7 October 2008|access-date=6 October 2008|archive-date=29 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629233107/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20081007a1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===2009===
[[File:Asashōryū-1.jpg|thumb|Asashōryū in the dedication sumo wrestling at [[Yasukuni Shrine]] (10 April 2009)]]
[[File:Asashōryū-2.jpg|thumb|Asashōryū and [[Hakuhō Shō]] at the Yasukuni Shrine Dedicated Sumo (10 April 2009)]]
The January 2009 ''[[honbasho]]'', Asashōryū's first full tournament since May 2008, was a remarkable success. He won his first fourteen matches, losing only on the last day to Hakuhō. He then won the resulting playoff to earn his 23rd championship and pass [[Takanohana Kōji|Takanohana]] on the all-time list to become the fourth ever wrestler to have won 23 tournaments<ref>{{cite web|author=Buckton, Mark|title=Amazing comeback for Asashoryu at Hatsu basho '09|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20090127mb.html|work=[[Japan Times]]|date=27 January 2009|access-date=21 May 2009}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> (the other three being [[Taihō Kōki|Taihō]], [[Kitanoumi Toshimitsu|Kitanoumi]] and [[Chiyonofuji Mitsugu|Chiyonofuji]]). His victory came exactly twenty years after ''yokozuna'' [[Hokutoumi Nobuyoshi|Hokutoumi]] also returned from three tournaments out to win the championship with a 14–1 record. Sumo Association head [[Mienoumi Tsuyoshi|Musashigawa]] described Asashōryū's comeback as "amazing." Ticket sales and television ratings showed a marked increase as his winning run continued.<ref name="dazzling">{{cite web|title=Asashoryu dazzles fans in comeback win|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jAnMnATPUJUXLWmoVf1ROLTybXgw|publisher=[[Agence France-Presse|AFP]]|date=25 January 2009|access-date=25 January 2009| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090207181501/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jAnMnATPUJUXLWmoVf1ROLTybXgw| archive-date= 7 February 2009 | url-status= dead}}</ref> After his playoff win Asashōryū announced to the crowd, "Everyone, thank you very much. Really. I am back."<ref name="dazzling"/>
In the following tournament in March he went undefeated for the first nine days but then lost to three of the five ''ōzeki'' over the next five days, putting him out of contention for the championship. He also lost his final day match to Hakuhō to finish at 11–4. In the May tournament he lost early to Aminishiki, then won ten in a row before falling to [[Harumafuji Kōhei|Harumafuji]] on Day 14. He again lost to Hakuhō, on the final day, finishing at 12–3.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20090525b1.html|title=Harumafuji topples Hakuho in playoff|work=The Japan Times|date=25 May 2009|access-date=25 May 2009}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Asashōryū returned to Mongolia after the May tournament to receive treatment for a bruised chest suffered in his defeat to Harumafuji. In June he received the Hero of Labour Award from outgoing [[President of Mongolia|Mongolian President]] [[Nambaryn Enkhbayar]], the highest government award in Mongolia and equivalent to the Japanese [[People's Honour Award]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Asa receives award in Mongolia|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20090613a1.html|date=13 June 2009|access-date=26 June 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He performed poorly in the July tournament with a 10–5 record, his worst finish in just over two years.
He damaged ligaments in his right knee during a regional tour of [[Akita, Akita|Akita]] in August 2009 (the first time he had injured his knee), hampering his preparations for the September tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20090823a1.html|title=Asa uncertain for Autumn Basho|date=23 August 2009|work=Japan Times|access-date=12 September 2009|archive-date=11 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511125948/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20090823a1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Despite this, he won his first 14 matches, before finally losing to Hakuhō, leaving both wrestlers at 14–1. Asashōryū would win the resulting playoff to win his 24th ''yūshō'', tying him with Kitanoumi for third on the all-time ''yūshō'' list. The triumph took place on his 29th birthday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/sports/view/asashoryu-beats-hakuho-in-playoff-to-win-24th-sumo-title|title=Asashoryu beats Hakuho in playoff to win 24th sumo title|publisher=[[Japan Today]]|date=27 September 2009|access-date=27 September 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604234234/http://www.japantoday.com/category/sports/view/asashoryu-beats-hakuho-in-playoff-to-win-24th-sumo-title|archive-date=4 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> He finished on 11–4 in the Kyushu tournament in November, losing his last four matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20091130b1.html|title=Hakuho stays undefeated|date=30 November 2009|work=Japan Times|access-date=3 December 2009|archive-date=19 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119153325/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20091130b1.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===2010===
In the January 2010 tournament, which was to prove to be the last of his career, Asashōryū clinched his 25th ''yūshō'' on Day 14 after beating Harumafuji to go 13–1, two wins ahead of Hakuhō on 11–3.<ref name="hammered">{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20100124b1.html|title=Asa clinches 25th Emperor's Cup|date=24 January 2010|work=Japan Times|access-date=25 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> He was however beaten by Hakuhō on the final day for the seventh straight time in regulation matches, and he finished on 13–2.<ref name="thunder"/>
==Controversy==
===Match-fixing speculation and lawsuits===
In January 2007, ''[[Shūkan Gendai]]'', a weekly [[Tabloid (newspaper format)|tabloid]] magazine, reported that Asashōryū had paid opponents about ¥800,000 ($10,000) per fight to allow him to win the previous November 2006 tournament with a perfect score. Asashōryū denied these claims in court on 3 October 2008, during the first ever court appearance by a ''yokozuna''.<ref name="fix">{{cite web|title=Asashoryu goes to court to deny bout-fixing|publisher=AFP|url=http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjkBdra1cUNiKtHR_7TiB9wkCiOg|date=3 October 2008|access-date=6 October 2008|archive-date=7 February 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207150357/http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hjkBdra1cUNiKtHR_7TiB9wkCiOg|url-status=dead}}</ref> He appeared as part of a lawsuit brought by the Japan Sumo Association and about 30 other wrestlers seeking around ¥660&nbsp;million ($8.12&nbsp;million) from ''Shūkan Gendai''{{'s}} publisher, [[Kodansha|Kodansha Ltd]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Sumo champion Asashoryu in court contest over 'fight-fixing'|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4878105.ece|archive-url=https://archive.today/20110604180116/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4878105.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 June 2011|work=[[The Times]]|date=4 October 2008|access-date=6 October 2008 | location=London }}</ref> He said the allegations were "complete lies&nbsp;... I am very sad and disgusted."<ref name="fix"/> Also appearing in court, in defence of the magazine, was former wrestler [[Keisuke Itai|Itai]], who had made similar allegations of [[match fixing|bout-fixing]] in 2000 regarding his own career. Itai suggested that Asashōryū's win over Chiyotaikai in the November 2006 tournament was an example of a fixed match.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/archive/news/bout-fixing-is-rife-claims-ex-sumo/story-e6frg6t6-1111117658585|title=Ex-sumo wrestler claims bout-fixing is rife|publisher=[[The Australian]]|date=4 October 2008|access-date=7 June 2016 | first=Peter | last=Alford}}</ref>
On 26 March 2009, the [[Tokyo District Court]] ordered Kodansha, the publisher of the magazine, and Yorimasa Takeda, the freelance writer of the articles, to pay ¥42.90&nbsp;million ($437,000) in damages, believed to be the highest award for libel damages against a magazine in Japanese history.<ref name="asahi">{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200903270098.html |title=Publisher fined for "fixed" sumo series |publisher=[[Asahi Shimbun]] |date=27 March 2009 |access-date=21 May 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090330082323/http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200903270098.html |archive-date=30 March 2009 |url-status=live  }}</ref> Chief judge Yasushi Nakamura stated that the reporting was "slipshod in the extreme."<ref name="asahi"/>
===Suspension===
[[File:Asashoryu fight Jan08.JPG|thumb|left|Asashōryū taking on [[Kotoshōgiku Kazuhiro|Kotoshōgiku]] in his first fight after his suspension]]
After his tournament victory in July 2007, Asashōryū decided to skip the regional summer tour of [[Tōhoku region|Tōhoku]] and [[Hokkaidō]] beginning on 3 August because of injury. The medical forms submitted to the [[Japan Sumo Association]] indicated that injuries to his left elbow and a stress fracture in his lower back would require six weeks of rest to heal.<ref>{{cite web| title=Men attempting to extort Kyokushuzan arrested| work=[[Japan Times]]| url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20070726a2.html| date=26 July 2007| access-date=21 May 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, he was then seen on television participating in a [[Association football|football]] match for charity with [[Hidetoshi Nakata]] in his homeland of Mongolia. He was reported to have done so at the request of the [[Japanese Foreign Ministry]] and the Mongolian government.<ref name="soccer">{{cite web | title=Soccer match draws JSA's ire | work=[[Japan Times]] | url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20070727a1.html | date=27 July 2007 | access-date=27 July 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, the suggestion that he had exaggerated the extent of his injuries to avoid his duties on the exhibition tour caused a media storm.
Asashōryū was ordered to return to Japan and on 1 August 2007, the Sumo Association suspended him for the upcoming September tournament as well as the next one in November, the first time in the sport's history that an active ''yokozuna'' has been suspended from a main tournament. They also announced that Asashōryū and his stablemaster [[Asashio Tarō IV|Takasago]] would have their salaries cut by 30% for the next four months.<ref name="suspension"/> He was also instructed to restrict his movements to his home, his stable, and the hospital.<ref>{{cite web | title=A grand champion is rebuked | work=Japan Times | url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ed20070804a1.html | date=4 August 2007 | access-date=4 June 2009 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> [[Fujinokawa Takeo|Isenoumi]], a Director of the Sumo Association, called Asashōryū's behaviour "a serious indiscretion. Given that a yokozuna should act as a good example for the other wrestlers, this punishment for his action is appropriate."<ref>{{cite web | title=Sumo association suspends Asashōryū from two tourneys | work=[[International Herald Tribune]] | url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/01/sports/AS-SPT-SUM-Asashoryu-Suspended.php| date=1 August 2007 | access-date=1 August 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070909172221/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/08/01/sports/AS-SPT-SUM-Asashoryu-Suspended.php| archive-date= 9 September 2007 | url-status= live}}</ref> It was the most severe punishment ever imposed on a ''yokozuna'' since the Grand Tournament system was adopted over 80 years ago.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6998589.stm | work=BBC News | title=Sumo world hit by giant troubles | date=18 September 2007 | access-date=25 April 2010 | first=Philippa | last=Fogarty}}</ref> Asashōryū responded by saying he would get his injuries treated and prepare for the winter regional tour and the January 2008 tournament.<ref>{{cite web|title=Reaction to Asashoryu's punishment|publisher=Sumo Talk|url=http://www.sumotalk.com/asasuspend.htm|date=2 August 2007|access-date=4 June 2009}}</ref> However, his stablemaster reported that Asashōryū was finding the severity of the punishment difficult to deal with,<ref>{{cite web|title=Takasago-oyakata holds press conference; Asashoryu taking medication|publisher=Sumo Talk|url=http://www.sumotalk.com/asasuspend.htm|date=2 August 2007|access-date=4 June 2009}}</ref> and two doctors from the Sumo Association diagnosed him as suffering from [[acute stress disorder]], and then [[dissociative disorders|dissociative disorder]].<ref>{{cite news | author=Parry, Richard Lloyd | title=Mongolia declares sumo war over shame of star in a Rooney shirt | work=[[The Times]] | url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2300154.ece| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605060855/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article2300154.ece| url-status=dead| archive-date=5 June 2010| date=22 August 2007 | access-date=21 May 2009 | location=London}}</ref> On 28 August he was allowed to return to Mongolia for treatment.<ref>{{cite web | title=Asashoryu heading home for treatment | work=[[Japan Times]] Online | url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20070829a1.html | date=29 August 2007 | access-date=31 August 2007 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> After recuperation and [[onsen]] treatment, he returned to Japan on 30 November 2007, apologising for his actions at a press conference.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu apologizes for causing trouble|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20071201a1.html|work=[[Japan Times]] Online|date=1 December 2007|access-date=3 December 2007}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
===Assault allegations and subsequent retirement===
During the January 2010 tournament, a tabloid magazine claimed Asashōryū punched his personal manager after getting drunk during a night out in downtown [[Nishiazabu, Minato, Tokyo|Nishiazabu]].<ref name="hammered"/> After the tournament Asashōryū was reprimanded by Japan Sumo Association (JSA) head Musashigawa, and he apologised once again for his behaviour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20100126a1.html|title=Asashoryu warned over conduct|date=26 January 2010|work=[[Japan Times]]|access-date=27 January 2010}}{{Dead link|date=June 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, it subsequently emerged that it was not his manager but a restaurant employee who was attacked, reportedly sustaining a broken nose. The man did not file a report with the police,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/sports/news/20100128p2a00m0na012000c.html |title=Asashoryu's drunken attack on acquaintance left him with broken nose |date=28 January 2010 |publisher=[[Mainichi Daily News]] |access-date=28 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201173915/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/sports/news/20100128p2a00m0na012000c.html |archive-date=1 February 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> and on 31 January 2010, Asashōryū told the authorities that he had reached a settlement with him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/sports/archive/news/2010/02/01/20100201p2a00m0na010000c.html?inb=rs |title=Asashoryu reports settlement with alleged assault victim |date=1 February 2010 |publisher=[[Mainichi Daily News]] |access-date=1 February 2010 }}{{dead link|date=August 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Despite this, the police did not rule out the possibility of questioning Asashōryū about the assault.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100201a2.html|title=Police may question Asashoryu|date=1 February 2010|work=Japan Times|access-date=4 February 2010}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
Subsequently, on 4 February 2010, he announced his decision to retire, after discussing the matter at a meeting with the Board of Directors of the Sumo Association.<ref name="bad boy">{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hivyORUQd6uQbpQU-ghDfX2KCnYA|title=Sumo's 'bad boy' Asashoryu to retire|date=4 February 2010|publisher=AFP|access-date=4 February 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100208233932/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hivyORUQd6uQbpQU-ghDfX2KCnYA| archive-date= 8 February 2010 | url-status= dead}}</ref> He stated, "I feel heavy responsibility as a yokozuna that I have caused trouble to so many people. I am the only person who can put an end to it all. I think it's my destiny that I retire like this."<ref name="bad boy"/> Asashōryū did not comment directly on the brawl, except to say that what actually happened was "quite different" to media reports.<ref name="wsj">{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704041504575044823048406834?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird|title=Sumo Grand Champion to Retire After Brawl |last=Hayashi|first=Yuka|date=4 February 2010|work=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|access-date=4 February 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100301001348/http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704041504575044823048406834.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsThird| archive-date= 1 March 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> "I decided to step down to bring this to a closure."<ref name="wsj"/>
Asashōryū referred to criticism for not showing ''hinkaku'' (dignity) as a ''yokozuna''. "Everybody talks about dignity, but when I went into the ring, I felt fierce like a devil."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/3295616/Sumo-wrestler-retires-after-drunken-scuffle|title=Sumo wrestler retires after drunken scuffle|date=5 February 2010|publisher=Fairfax New Zealand Limited|access-date=5 February 2010}}</ref> Asked what his most memorable bout was, he chose his first win over [[Musashimaru]] in May 2001, with his parents watching him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/24bf742c-117a-11df-9195-00144feab49a.html?nclick_check=1|title=Bad-boy sumo champion bows out|last=Dickie|first=Mure|date=4 February 2010|publisher=FT.com|access-date=4 February 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100206021639/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/24bf742c-117a-11df-9195-00144feab49a.html?nclick_check=1| archive-date= 6 February 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>
JSA Chief Director Musashigawa revealed that directors were debating on that day whether to punish Asashōryū. "He felt compelled to resign for misconduct that was inexcusable, and the board accepted. I want to apologize to all of the fans and to the person injured in the incident."<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu ends stormy career|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20100204x1.html|work=Japan Times|date=4 February 2010|access-date=4 February 2010}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> The [[Yokozuna Deliberation Council]] had recommended his retirement, and would have pressed for his dismissal if he had not chosen to go.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ed20100206a2.html|title=End of the line for Asashoryu|date=6 February 2010|work=Japan Times|access-date=5 February 2010}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
In Mongolia, there was anger at the news. One high-ranking Mongolian official accused the Sumo Association of using the incident as an excuse to get rid of Asashōryū before he could reach [[Taihō Kōki|Taihō]]'s 32 tournament victories. "I feel that they did not want him to break the record for most titles. This behavior is unjust. The Mongolian people disapprove."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/ereader/news/20100205p2e00m0sp003000c.html |title=Top Mongolian officials erupt over Asashoryu resignation |date=5 February 2010 |publisher=[[Mainichi Daily News]] |access-date=5 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209093224/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/ereader/news/20100205p2e00m0sp003000c.html |archive-date=9 February 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref> The ''[[Zuunii Medee]]'' newspaper called for sumo broadcasts in Mongolia to be suspended.<ref name="ridicule">{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20100207a1.html|title=Mongolian press ridicules JSA|date=7 February 2010|work=Japan Times|access-date=6 February 2010}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Reacting to the tense mood among the Mongolian public, a spokesman at the Foreign Ministry of Mongolia issued a statement that the "resignation of Asashōryū will have no influence to the friendship between Mongolian and Japanese citizens." and he requested people stay calm.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0205/TKY201002050564.html |title=Top 朝青龍引退 モンゴル外務省、国民に「冷静に」 |date=5 February 2010 |publisher=[[Asahi Shimbun]] |access-date=24 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100209211425/http://www.asahi.com/international/update/0205/TKY201002050564.html |archive-date=9 February 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> Reaction in Japan was more mixed, with some of the public saying the ''yokozuna'' had to go while others said they would miss him.<ref name="reaction">{{cite web|url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20100205p2a00m0na012000c.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130218172657/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20100205p2a00m0na012000c.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 February 2013 |title=Reaction mixed over Asashoryu's retirement |date=5 February 2010 |publisher=Mainichi Daily News |access-date=5 February 2010 }}</ref> News media compared his case with earlier ''yokozuna'' [[Maedayama Eigorō|Maedayama]] who was forced to resign in 1949 after dropping out of a tournament claiming illness but subsequently photographed at a baseball game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.studentnewsdaily.com/daily-news-article/in-blow-to-sumo-champion-retires/|title=In Blow to Sumo, Champion Retires|last=Hayashi|first=Yuka|date=5 February 2010|publisher=[[Wall St Journal]], reprinted in Student News Magazine|access-date=26 August 2016}}</ref> Both his stablemaster and the Sumo Association received criticism for their handling of this incident and Asashōryū in general.<ref name="reaction"/>
As Asashōryū never obtained [[Japanese citizenship]], he was not eligible to stay in the sumo world as an ''[[oyakata]]'', or coach.<ref name="ridicule"/> He was, however, entitled to a formal retirement ceremony, or ''[[danpatsu-shiki]]'', at the [[Ryōgoku Kokugikan]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4392&Itemid=36|title= Conspiracy Fallout Over Asashoryu's Shocking Retirement|date=9 February 2010|publisher=[[UB Post]]|access-date=10 February 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100213000645/http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4392&Itemid=36| archive-date= 13 February 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> and was also given a retirement allowance by the Sumo Association, believed to be around ¥120&nbsp;million ($1.34&nbsp;million).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20100211p2a00m0sp006000c.html |title=Asashoryu to receive 120 million yen retirement allowance |date=11 February 2010 |publisher=Mainichi Daily News |access-date=11 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100213205818/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20100211p2a00m0sp006000c.html |archive-date=13 February 2010 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>
Asashōryū gave a press conference in Mongolia on 11 March, and denied committing any "act of violence," but said he did not regret his decision to retire.<ref name="betenoir">{{cite news|url=http://in.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idINIndia-46833820100311|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201043903/http://in.reuters.com/article/sportsNews/idINIndia-46833820100311|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 February 2013|title=Sumo – Mongolian 'bete noir' says he was forced to quit|date=11 March 2010|publisher=Reuters India|access-date=11 March 2010}}</ref> He claimed it was "an undeniable fact" that there were people within the Sumo Association "trying to push me out of sumo" and that he could have gone on to win 30 or more tournament titles.<ref name="betenoir"/> Asked about rumours that he would enter [[mixed martial arts]], he replied, "I haven't really thought about what to do next."<ref name="kyodo">{{cite web|url=http://home.kyodo.co.jp/modules/fstStory/index.php?storyid=490017|title=Sumo: Asashoryu denies alleged drunken rampage, undecided on future |date=11 March 2010|publisher=[[Kyodo News]]|access-date=11 March 2010}}</ref> He refused to take any questions from Japanese reporters.<ref name="kyodo"/>
He was questioned voluntarily by investigators in May, and reportedly said that his hand "may have struck" the man, but he denied assault.<ref name="policereport">{{cite web|title=Police report Asashoryu to public prosecutors over assault in Tokyo|url=http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/sports/news/20100712p2a00m0na023000c.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130219021219/http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/sports/news/20100712p2a00m0na023000c.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 February 2013|publisher=[[Mainichi Daily News]]|access-date=12 July 2010}}</ref> In July police reported him to the public prosecutors.<ref name="policereport"/> His former stablemaster Takasago said if Asashōryū was [[Indictment|indicted]] then his retirement ceremony may be cancelled.<ref>{{cite web|title=No retirement ceremony for Asashoryu if indicted: ex-boss |url=http://www.japantoday.com/category/sports/view/no-retirement-ceremony-for-asashoryu-if-indicted-ex-boss|publisher=[[Japan Today]]|access-date=14 July 2010|date=13 July 2010}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> However, the event went ahead as planned on 3 October, with around 380 dignitaries taking turns in snipping his ''[[chonmage|oichiomage]]'' or topknot before Takasago made the final cut.<ref name="topknot">{{cite web|title=Asashoryu bows out at topknot ceremony|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20101004a1.html|work=Japan Times|date=4 October 2010|access-date=5 October 2010}}{{Dead link|date=September 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Asashōryū said to the 10,000 fans at the Kokugikan, "In another life as a Japanese, I would like to become a ''yokozuna'' with Japanese spirit&nbsp;... I want to show everyone that I can become a better person."<ref name="topknot"/>
===Other events===
[[File:Asashoryu and Hakuho glare at each other 2008 May.jpg|thumb|200px|Asashōryū and [[Hakuhō Shō|Hakuhō]] glare at each other after a bad-tempered match on the last day of the May 2008 tournament]]
Asashōryū received criticism from Sumo Association officials and the media throughout his ''yokozuna'' career for various other infractions of the strict code of conduct expected of top sumo wrestlers, both on the ''[[dohyō]]'' and off it. His breaches of etiquette during tournament bouts ranged from merely accepting the prize money with the wrong hand,<ref name="mondedu">{{cite web|url=http://www.lemondedusumo.com/english/MDS23_asashoryu_suspended.php?mag=mds&num=23|title=The yokozuna Asashoryu suspended for two tournaments|last=Perran|first=Thierry|date=August 2007|publisher=Le Monde du Sumo|access-date=6 February 2010}}</ref> and raising his arms in victory after clinching the championship,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/6262021/Sumo-champion-Asashoryu-outrages-sport-with-celebration.html|title=Sumo champion Asashoryu outrages sport with celebration |last=Ryall|first=Julian|date=6 October 2009|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=6 October 2009 | location=London| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091008141003/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/6262021/Sumo-champion-Asashoryu-outrages-sport-with-celebration.html| archive-date= 8 October 2009 | url-status= live}}</ref> to giving opponents an extra shove after the bout was already over (such as Hakuhō in May 2008),<ref>{{cite web|title=Kotooshu claims Emperor's Cup; yokozuna clash highlights finale|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20080526b1.html|date=26 May 2008|access-date=21 May 2009}}</ref> and appealing to [[judge (sumo)|judges]] to overturn the [[gyoji|referee]]'s decision.<ref name="mondedu"/> In July 2003, he pulled on fellow Mongolian [[Kyokushūzan Noboru|Kyokushūzan]]'s ''mage'' (traditional Japanese top knot) during their bout on day five of the tournament, resulting in an immediate ''[[hansoku|hansoku-make]]'', or disqualification.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Hij22Gegu8|title=Asashoryu vs Kyokushuzan 1 nagoya 2003|via=www.youtube.com}}</ref> He was the first ''yokozuna'' to be disqualified from a bout. They reportedly brawled in the communal bath afterwards, and Asashōryū was also accused of breaking the wing mirror of Kyokushūzan's car.<ref name="McCurry">{{cite news | author= McCurry, Justin| title=Big In Japan| work=[[The Guardian]]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/elsewhere/journalist/story/0,,1145139,00.html| date=11 February 2004 | access-date=4 June 2007 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Sumo-"Tsar" Roho throws tantrum after defeat | publisher=Mail & Guardian Online | url=http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=277654&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__sport| date=16 July 2006 | access-date=4 June 2007}}</ref> Some Japanese fans called on him to "go back to Mongolia" after this incident.<ref name="McCurry"/> He also had an uneasy relationship with his stablemaster Takasago.<ref name="mondedu"/> In July 2004, he apologized after a row with Takasago over his wedding arrangements resulted in him being seen drunk in public and damaging stable property,<ref>{{cite web|author=Ryall, Julian|title=Sumo master ready for a fall after rampage|url=http://www.scotsman.com/world/Sumo-master-ready-for-a.2549992.jp|work=[[The Scotsman]]|date=30 July 2004|access-date=8 July 2008}}</ref> and his tendency to return to Mongolia without informing his stablemaster led to embarrassments like being unable to attend the funeral of Takasago stable's previous head coach [[Fujinishiki]] in December 2003.<ref>{{cite news | author= McNeill, David| title= The sumo champion, the sickie and the story that shook Japan| work=[[The Independent]]|url=http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article2841344.ece|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071001001616/http://news.independent.co.uk/world/asia/article2841344.ece|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 October 2007| date=7 August 2007 | access-date=8 August 2007 | location=London}}</ref> He was also sometimes seen in public in a business suit or in casual dress instead of the traditional [[kimono]] that wrestlers are expected to wear.<ref name="McCurry"/>
==Post-sumo career==
Immediately after his retirement from sumo there was speculation that Asashōryū would switch to [[mixed martial arts]], and he was reported to be forming an MMA camp for Mongolian athletes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2010/7/22/1582263/disgraced-sumo-legend-asashoryu|title=Disgraced Sumo Legend Asashoryu Forms MMA Camp, Will Work With Sengoku Raiden Championships|date=22 July 2010|publisher=Bloody Elbow|access-date=1 February 2015}}</ref> However, he instead became a businessman. Asashōryū had held business interests in Mongolia whilst still active in sumo, launching a family [[holding company]] as early as 2003.<ref name="forbes">{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesasia/2012/10/24/an-ex-sumo-wrestler-returns-to-mongolia/|title=An Ex-Sumo Wrestler Returns To Mongolia|date=24 October 2012|work=Forbes Asia|access-date=1 February 2015}}</ref> Based in [[Ulaanbaatar]] and investing exclusively inside Mongolia, the company has assets in banking, real estate and mining.<ref name="forbes"/>
In 2012, his wealth was estimated to be between US$50 and 75&nbsp;million.<ref name="forbes"/> He is also active in philanthropy, establishing the Asashoryu Foundation which has supported the Mongolian Olympic team, given scholarships to Mongolian college students studying in Mongolia and Japan, and donated English-language textbooks to schools.<ref name="forbes"/>
In 2007, Asashōryū bought the National Circus Palace (a 2,000-seat circus building in Ulaanbaatar<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://circus.mn/en/|title=Mongolian National Circus|date=1 January 2017|website=circus.mn/en/|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325100815/https://circus.mn/en/|url-status=dead}}</ref>) through his company, "Asa Consulting". Since then the palace has been renamed to "Asa Tsirk".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://ikon.mn/n/4yk|title=АСА цирк ТӨРД буцаж магадгүй нь|last=iKon.mn|first=Д. Эрдэнэцэн|date=6 March 2014|website=ikon.mn|access-date=19 April 2019}}</ref> He became a member of the [[Democratic Party (Mongolia)|Mongolian Democratic Party]] in May 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infomongolia.com/ct/ci/6037|title=Yokozuna Asashoryu becomes Democratic Party member|date=22 May 2013|publisher=Infomongolia.com|access-date=1 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419233624/http://www.infomongolia.com/ct/ci/6037|archive-date=19 April 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> On 3 August 2017, Asashōryū was appointed as a diplomatic advisor and special ambassador to Japan by Mongolian President [[Khaltmaagiin Battulga]].<ref>[http://www.fnn-news.com/news/headlines/articles/CONN00366289.html 元横綱・朝青龍が日本担当に] フジテレビ 2017年8月4日</ref><ref>[http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20170804/k10011086831000.html 元横綱の朝青龍 モンゴル大統領特使に任命] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170803232341/http://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20170804/k10011086831000.html |date=3 August 2017 }} NHK 2017年8月4日</ref>
He returned to Japan in November 2021 and was a spectator during the Kyūshū tournament, during which time he also reunited with the recently retired Hakuhō.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2021/12/01/sumo/kyushu-basho-terunofuji/|title=Much more to come from yokozuna Terunofuji after stunning 2021|last=Gunning|first=John|date=1 December 2021|work=Japan Times|access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref> On 12 April 2024 his X account (formerly [[Twitter]]) stated that he had been admitted in emergency to a Tokyo hospital for unknown reasons.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/04/12/kiji/20240412s00005000564000c.html|title=元朝青龍　緊急入院を報告「本日より都内の病院で」「原因がまだわからないんですが、検査中です」|date=12 April 2024|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=13 April 2024|lang=ja}}</ref> The ''yokozuna'' announced that the operation had been a success on the 26th of the same month, without giving any further details about the location of the operation or the severity of his health problem.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sanspo.com/article/20240506-MYWFUST6MBFJNO4IXTQLFHLAJQ/|title=元朝青龍のダグワドルジ氏「地獄のような１ヵ月でした」　先月２６日に手術を報告|date=6 May 2024|publisher=Sankei Sports|access-date=7 May 2024|lang=ja}}</ref>
==Fighting style==
Asashōryū was a relative lightweight early in his career, weighing just {{convert|129|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}} in 2001, and relied on speed and technique to compete against often much heavier opponents. However, he gradually put on weight and by 2010 was about {{convert|148|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}, right on average. In his later career he tended to confront his opponents head on with the intention of out-muscling them. In training, he was reported to do multiple repetitions of biceps curls with {{convert|30|kg|adj=on}} [[Dumbbell|dumb-bells]], and whilst in the gym with [[NHK]] commentator [[Hiro Morita]] in 2008 he reportedly [[bench press]]ed {{convert|200|kg|lb|0|abbr=on}}. He had an intense approach to ''keiko'' (training), and some high-profile wrestlers avoided training with him, fearing injury.<ref>{{cite web | title=Smallish Asashoryu having super-size effect on sumo| work=Honolulu Advertiser | url=http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Jun/05/sp/FP706050360.html| date=5 June 2007 | access-date=3 August 2007}}</ref>
Asashōryū's favoured techniques according to his Sumo Association profile were ''migi-yotsu/yori'', a left hand outside, right hand inside grip on his opponent's ''[[mawashi]]'' (belt), and ''tsuppari'', a series of rapid thrusts to the chest.<ref>{{cite web|title=Asashoryu – Favorite Grip/Techniques|publisher=[[Japan Sumo Association]]|url=http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi_100.html|access-date=13 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090709051015/http://sumo.goo.ne.jp/eng/ozumo_meikan/rikishi_joho/rikishi_100.html|archive-date=9 July 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> His most common winning ''[[kimarite]]'' throughout his career were ''yorikiri'' (force out), ''oshidashi'' (push out), ''uwatenage'' (outer arm throw), ''shitatenage'' (inner arm throw) and ''tsukidashi'' (thrust out).<ref name="kimarite">{{cite web|author=Doitsuyama|title=Asashoryu bouts by kimarite|publisher=Sumo Reference|url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi_kim.aspx?r=878|date=13 May 2009}}</ref> He used 45 different kimarite in his career, a wider range than most wrestlers.<ref name="kimarite"/> In July 2009, he defeated Harumafuji by an "inner thigh throw" or ''yaguranage'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ss20090725b1.html|title=Hakuho takes sole lead with finish line in sight|date=25 July 2009|work=Japan Times Online|access-date=2 August 2009}}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> a technique not seen in the top division since 1975. His trademark, however, was ''tsuriotoshi'', or "lifting body slam",<ref name="ubpost"/> a feat of tremendous strength normally only used on much smaller and weaker opponents. In 2004, Asashōryū twice dumped the {{convert|158|kg|lb|0|adj=on}} [[Kotomitsuki Keiji|Kotomitsuki]] using this technique.<ref name="kimarite"/>
==Family==
Asashōryū's brothers were active in other combat sports: [[Dolgorsürengiin Sumyaabazar]] was a [[mixed martial arts]] fighter, and [[Dolgorsürengiin Serjbüdee]], a [[professional wrestler]], competed in [[New Japan Pro-Wrestling]] under the name Blue Wolf (after the Mongolian Blue Wolf legend). All Dolgorsüren brothers have strong backgrounds in [[Mongolian wrestling]].
Asashōryū first met his first wife in high school when they were both 15 years old.<ref>{{cite web|author=Klein, Barbara Ann|title=Sumo 101 – the Wife behind the Yokozuna |publisher=Sumo Fan Magazine|url=http://www.sumofanmag.com/content/Issue_5/Sumo101.htm|date=February 2006|access-date=24 September 2007}}</ref> They married in 2002 and their reception in Tokyo in 2004 was broadcast live on TV.<ref name="mainichi0717">{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20200716/p2a/00m/0na/017000c|title=Ex-sumo yokozuna Asashoryu announces marriage with Twitter snap|date=16 July 2020|work=The Mainichi|access-date=17 July 2020}}</ref> They divorced in 2009 having been separated for several years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2009/07/07/national/sumo-champ-asashoryu-had-spring-divorce/#.VM5xLZ3F9Fw|title=Sumo champ Asashoryu had spring divorce|date=7 July 2009|work=Japan Times|access-date=1 February 2015}}</ref> He has a son and a daughter.<ref name="forbes"/> In July 2020 he announced via [[Twitter]] that he was getting married, uploading a picture of himself with his presumed fiancée.<ref name="mainichi0717"/>
Two of Asashōryū's nephews became professional sumo wrestlers. The most successful, Byambasuren, turned pro in November 2017, joining [[Tatsunami stable]]. His ''shikona'' (ring name) is [[Hōshōryū Tomokatsu|Hōshōryū]], and he made his first tournament appearance in January 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/battle/sumo/news/201801170000114.html|title=元朝青龍のおい豊昇龍「青」でなく「昇」とした理由|date=17 January 2018|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=1 February 2018}}</ref> He reached the top division in September 2020. Asashōryū was in the [[Fukuoka International Center]] on the 12th day of the November 2021 tournament and saw his nephew lose to [[Daieishō]]. He joked that Hōshōryū "should have shown a little more spirit."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20211126/p2a/00m/0sp/023000c|title=Ex-yokozuna Asashoryu visits Kyushu sumo tourney, witnesses nephew's 'valiant loss'|date=26 November 2021|work=The Mainichi|access-date=1 December 2021}}</ref> Hōshōryū has since climbed the ranks and won the 2023 Nagoya basho with a 12-3 record, giving him 33 wins in his last three tournaments and earning promotion to ''ōzeki'', one level away from becoming ''yokozuna'' himself.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230726_12/|title=Sumo wrestler Hoshoryu promoted to Ozeki &#124; NHK WORLD-JAPAN News|website=NHK WORLD}}</ref> In October 2024, another of his nephews, Serjbüdeegiin Luvsangombo (son of Dolgorsürengiin Serjbüdee), joined professional sumo and decided to compete for [[Shikoroyama stable]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/sports/news/2024/10/30/kiji/20241030s00005000281000c.html|title=朝青龍のおい・ルブサンゴンボ＆武蔵丸のおい・ダニエル　元横綱を叔父に持つ2人が新弟子検査受検へ|date=30 October 2024|publisher=Sports Nippon|access-date=30 October 2024|language=ja}}</ref>
==Career record==
{{Sumo record box start|Asashōryū Akinori<ref>{{cite web | title=Asashoryu Akinori Rikishi Information| publisher=Sumo Reference | url=http://sumodb.sumogames.de/Rikishi.aspx?r=878 | access-date=18 October 2012}}</ref>}}
{{Sumo record year start link|1999}}
{{Basho|MAEZUMOU}}
{{Basho|jk|34|e|6|1}}
{{Basho|jo|85|w|7|0|PP<br>Champion}}
{{Basho|sa|75|w|7|0<br>Champion}}
{{Basho|ma|53|e|6|1|PPPP}}
{{Basho|ma|27|e|6|1}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2000}}
{{Basho|ma|12|w|3|4}}
{{Basho|ma|19|w|5|2}}
{{Basho|ma|9|w|6|1}}
{{Basho|ma|2|w|7|0<br>Champion}}
{{Basho|j|7|e|9|6}}
{{Basho|j|3|w|11|4}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2001}}
{{Basho|m|12|w|9|6}}
{{Basho|m|6|e|9|6}}
{{Basho|k|1|w|8|7|||o}}
{{Basho|k|1|e|7|8}}
{{Basho|m|1|w|10|5|||f|*}}
{{Basho|k|1|e|10|5|||f}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2002}}
{{Basho|s|1|w|8|7}}
{{Basho|s|1|w|11|4|||o}}
{{Basho|s|1|w|11|4||j|f}}
{{Basho|s|1|e|12|3||j|o}}
{{Basho|o|3|e|10|5}}
{{Basho|o|2|e|14|1||Y}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2003}}
{{Basho|o|1|e|14|1||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|10|5||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|5|5|5}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|12|3||j}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2004}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|15|0||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|15|0||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|P|y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|9|6}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||y}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2005}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|15|0||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|14|1||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|15|0||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|P|y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|14|1||y}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2006}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|11|4}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|P|y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|1|2|12}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|14|1||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|15|0||y}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2007}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|14|1||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|13|2|P|j}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|10|5}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|14|1||y}}
{{Basho|SUSPENDED|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=e}}
{{Basho|SUSPENDED|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=w}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2008}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|13|2||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|13|2||y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|11|4||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|3|3|9}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|5|5|5}}
{{Basho|KYUJO|rank=y|r-no=1|tozai=w}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2009}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|14|1|P|y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|11|4||j}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|12|3}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|10|5}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|14|1|P|y}}
{{Basho|y|1|e|11|4}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record year start link|2010}}
{{Basho|y|1|w|13|2||y}}
{{Basho|INTAI|win=|loss=}}
{{Basho}}
{{Basho}}
{{Basho}}
{{Basho}}
{{Sumo record year end}}
{{Sumo record box end}}
==See also==
*[[Glossary of sumo terms]]
*[[List of non-Japanese sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of past sumo wrestlers]]
*[[List of sumo record holders]]
*[[List of sumo tournament second division champions]]
*[[List of sumo tournament top division champions]]
*[[List of sumo tournament top division runners-up]]
*[[List of yokozuna]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
==External links==
*{{Goo Sumo|A=|100}}
{{Commons category|Asashōryū Akinori}}
{{Yokozuna box |previous=[[Musashimaru Kōyō]] |number=68th |active=2003–2010|next=[[Hakuhō Shō]] }}
{{Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Asashoryu, Akinori}}
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Dolgorsürengiin family]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Mongolian sumo wrestlers]]
[[Category:Sumo people from Ulaanbaatar]]
[[Category:Tibetan Buddhists from Mongolia]]
[[Category:Yokozuna]]