Enho (left) defeats Hakuyozan by yorikiri (Photo: Tomoaki Kurokawa)
Enho, ranked West Juryo 14, made a triumphant return to the sekitori ranks after three years, securing back-to-back victories on the second day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan. The 31-year-old from Isegahama stable defeated Hakuyozan (Takadagawa) by yorikiri, following his win over Tochiumi on the opening day, giving him two consecutive wins since returning to the juryo division.
Pushed to the edge of the ring, Enho slipped inside his opponent’s grip from the left, pressing his head firmly into Hakuyozan’s chest before powering him out. Reflecting on the win, he said, “It was a close call, almost by chance. My body just reacted.”
Enho suffered a severe spinal cord injury during the 2023 Summer Tournament, forcing him to withdraw mid-event. The injury was so debilitating that not only could he not step onto the dohyo, but everyday life became a struggle, leading to six consecutive tournament absences. He made his comeback at the 2024 Nagoya Tournament, starting from the jonokuchi division, and with a 5-2 record in the makushita division at the Spring Tournament in March, he secured his return to juryo for the first time since the 2023 Summer Tournament.
The previous day, a cheering squad including his parents came to watch. “Especially yesterday, many people came to support me. It really got me emotionally invested,” he said. For two consecutive days, he has worn a purple mawashi, explaining, “I saw Wakanohana wearing it, and I always wanted to wear one myself someday.”
Having to wrestle on back-to-back days from the start of the tournament is also a first in three years for Enho. He is gradually recalling how to pace himself over the 15-day event as he approaches each bout. “It’s one bout at a time. I just give my all in each one, that’s all. I hope I can step down from the dohyo without injury,” he said, looking ahead to the remaining 13 matches.
