(Hai Pa) - For about fifteen years there has not been a sumo competition in Israel. Last Friday (26/04/2024) the Leo Buck Sports Center, Haifa, hosted the Israel Sumo Championship. This event brought together participants from all over the country, and included competitions between women and men, ages 12 and up. About two hundred athletes participated in the competition, including the winners of the European Sumo Championship in the adult categories for 2023. This competition is considered a criterion competition, which will decide the selection process for representation in the European Championship and the World Sumo Championship, for 2024.
About the sumo branch
The rules of sumo are simple and clear. The fight takes place in a circular arena between two wrestlers. Sumo fights last only a few seconds, until one of the participants is knocked to the floor or pushed out of the ring. Sumo originated in Japan, and in Japanese culture this sport is associated with many spiritual ceremonies.
מIlana Kartish, director of the competition and Olympic wrestler, European runner-up in sumo 2023, told Hai Fe:
"I am happy that we recently lifted the glove and strengthened a new branch in Israel - the sumo branch.
Yes yes, it is not a sport only for adults, but a sport that is divided according to different weight categories for different ages. The event brought together participants from all over the country, which provided an opportunity to get to know the young and talented generation in the sumo industry. A number of athletes with high potential for the sumo branch certainly stood out. We believe that with this potential we will see many achievements in the European Championship and the World Championship further down the road.
"Our goal is to promote and develop the sumo branch, and I am proud of our work. Without funding and assistance we were able to raise an event of this magnitude. It is not obvious that within a year we reached 200 athletes in the Israeli championship. I am sure that we are moving in the right direction, and that we will reach many great achievements. Thanks to everyone who took part, and added to this empowering experience.
Guests of honor in the competition
"We were happy and excited to see Zvika Barbi (city council member) taking part in this competition, with encouragement with kind words for the athletes until the medal distribution ceremony. In addition, Yoshihiko (Yoshi) Higuchi, the cultural attaché of Japan in Israel, joined as a guest of honor, who also spoke in a few words about the traditional and cultural connection between sumo and Japan.
"Many thanks to all the amazing coaches who joined us. Each of you made a huge contribution to this experience.''
It's a shame you didn't post before, I would have been very happy to come and watch
What a beauty!!!
But, in my opinion, to publish and notify in advance...
Interesting industry!
The crowd will come in droves!
Warm greetings to our guests in the city of Haifa on Carmel