Sumo wrestler Asashoryu banned for playing soccer while injured

Mongolian firebrand Asashoryu has been banned for the next two grand sumo tournaments for playing soccer while supposedly injured. The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) said yesterday that Asashoryu would receive a 30 per cent pay cut for four months on top...

Mongolian firebrand Asashoryu has been banned for the next two grand sumo tournaments for playing soccer while supposedly injured.

The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) said yesterday that Asashoryu would receive a 30 per cent pay cut for four months on top of his suspension.

The 150-kilogramme Mongolian stunned Japan's ancient sport by taking part in a charity soccer match in his home country after pulling out of a regional sumo tour with a back injury.

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