Sumo Star Anseikin Loses Again, Fans Worry About Ankle

Anseikin, one of sumo's top-ranked ozeki wrestlers, is facing an unexpected slump at the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, having lost two consecutive matches while chasing back-to-back championship titles.

His latest defeat came against Gonoyama, who overwhelmed him with a decisive, one-sided push-down. Observers described the loss as a clear case of "pressure defeat," in which Anseikin was unable to withstand his opponent's forward drive from the very start of the bout.

The result has fueled speculation among fans, some of whom noticed Anseikin discreetly touching his left ankle after the match ended. Online commentary reflected growing concern, with one fan remarking that his sumo "clearly lacks resilience," hinting that an underlying issue, possibly a physical one, may be affecting his performance.

Hakkaku, chairman of the Japan Sumo Association, addressed the wrestler's struggles directly, noting that his tachi-ai, the initial charge that often determines the momentum of a match, has looked noticeably weak in recent bouts. According to Hakkaku, this decline stems from Anseikin's inability to train adequately ahead of the tournament.

Despite his criticism of Anseikin's form, Hakkaku offered strong praise for Gonoyama, calling his dominant performance worthy of admiration. The chairman's contrasting remarks have only intensified public attention on Anseikin's condition and his prospects for the remainder of the tournament.

With two defeats already on record, Anseikin now faces mounting pressure to stabilize his performance in the coming days. Whether his difficulties stem from a physical injury, insufficient preparation, or a combination of both remains unclear, but fans and sumo analysts alike will be closely watching his next appearances for signs of recovery or further decline.