Japan's sumo legend Chiyonofuji dies at 61

Former legendary yokozuna Chiyonofuji died, it was learned Sunday.

The 61-year-old, who had run the Kokonoe stable, won 31 tournament titles in his career, third in the all-time list after Hakuho and Taiho.

He made his pro debut at the Autumn Grand Tournament in 1970, and rose to the top-tier makuuchi division in the Autumn basho in 1975. He rose to sumo’s top rank after winning his second Emperor’s Cup at the Nagoya tournament in 1981.

He submitted his resignation notice during the 1991 Summer basho after he was defeated by Takahanada, who later became yokozuna Takanohana.

(THE JAPAN NEWS)