Former sumo grand champion Taiho, who won 32 championships - a record in the history of Japan's ancient sport - has died at the age of 72.

Taiho, who real name was Koki Naya, died of heart disease in a Tokyo hospital, the Japan Sumo Association announced.

Taiho won 32 Emperor's Cups in a sumo career which started in 1956 and lasted until 1971.

Chiyonofuji, who retired in 1991, holds the second highest championship record with 31. Mongolian Hakuho leads all current wrestlers with 23 Emperor's Cups.

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