Tokushoryu, a relative unknown until his incredible run at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament - Emperor’s Cup, has charged into the hearts of traditionalists after becoming overwhelmed with emotion.
The 33-year-old Nara native delivered the performance of his career at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan to cap off a streak of 13 straight wins and finish with a 14-1 record over 15 days of improbable sumo.
“I was the lowest-ranking fighter, I had nothing to fear. I just had to give it everything I had,” said Tokushoryu.
“It feels like a dream. I don’t feel like myself. I feel I’m walking on clouds,” he said.
The rank-and-filer was still on cloud nine after slamming down Takakeisho in the final bout on Sunday, right before the 1.81-meter, 188-kg wrestler broke down in tears of joy.
“I might have cried too much, but at that moment I felt relieved from all the pressure,” he said.
