Japan trainer fired after wrestler's death

The head of a Japanese sumo "stable" was fired by the sport's national body yesterday following the death of a 17-year-old trainee in unexplained circumstances.

The row is a fresh blow for a tradition-bound sport struggling to find young recruits, and which earlier this year suspended Mongolian grand champion wrestler Asashoryu for playing soccer while on sick leave.

"We have today agreed to relieve him of his duties," Sumo Association Chairman Kitanoumi said. The move will mean Tokitsukaze is permanently excluded from the sport.

"He has caused a public scandal and grievously damaged the honour of the Sumo Association," Kitanoumi added, saying that he and other directors would take a temporary pay cut as a mark of regret.

Japanese media have reported that senior wrestlers were suspected of having beaten the trainee, Tokitaizan, on the instructions of his "stable master" during sparring practice in June.

Tokitaizan died the same day, according to the reports.