The Nagoya Basho tournament in Japan has concluded, with Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhushyshyn, competing under the ring name Aonishiki, emerging as the triumphant winner. The 22-year-old athlete from Vinnytsia has lifted the prestigious Emperor's Cup for the third time in his career, confirming his status as one of the strongest wrestlers in the world.
Dramatic Finale and the Road to Victory
The path to the title was not easy. Before the final, 15th day of the main tournament, the Ukrainian had 12 wins and two losses on his record. In the decisive match, he lost to Japanese wrestler Atamifuji, leading to a complex situation: three athletes finished the main stage with an identical record of 12:3. In the playoff, alongside Aonishiki and Atamifuji, Mongolian ozeki Kirishima also advanced.
In the additional matches, the Ukrainian first took revenge on Atamifuji and then defeated Kirishima in the final bout. This victory became a historic milestone for the native of Vinnytsia, who remains the only Ukrainian to have won the Emperor's Cup, and he has now done so for the third time. He previously won the titles in November 2025 and January 2026.
Return to the Top
In addition to winning the tournament, Aonishiki regained the rank of ozeki — the second most prestigious rank in professional sumo after the highest category of yokozuna. Previously, he lost this status due to an ankle injury, which forced him to end the March tournament prematurely and miss the May competitions. Now, having overcome difficulties, he is once again on the podium of Japanese sumo.
From Vinnytsia to Japan: A Story of Success
Danylo Yavhushyshyn was born on March 23, 2004. He began practicing sumo at the age of seven, training simultaneously in judo and freestyle wrestling. At the youth level, he already proved his mastery, becoming the 2019 European Champion and a bronze medalist at the Junior World Championship, as well as repeatedly winning the Ukrainian championship.
His professional career in Japan began after the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, when the athlete left Ukraine, first going to Germany and then to Japan. In Japan, he competes under the name Aonishiki Arata. The pseudonym has deep meaning: "blue brocade" — the blue color refers to the Ukrainian flag, and the word "brocade" symbolizes nobility and honor. He chose the second part of his name in honor of his Japanese friend Arata Yamanaka, who helped him start his career in the new country.
Looking to the Future
The next great goal for the Ukrainian sumo wrestler is to achieve the highest rank in Japanese sumo — yokozuna. The triumph at the Nagoya Basho tournament was a powerful step towards this ambitious dream.
