Popular Japanese sumo wrestler Endo will retire from competition after missing the last two tournaments because of knee injuries, according to Kyodo News on Monday.
The 35-year-old from Ishikawa Prefecture had surgeries on both knees and was slated to compete next in the third-tier makushita division at November’s Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament, Kyodo News reported. He sat out the Nagoya meet in July and the Autumn meet in Tokyo in September.
Endo debuted in March 2013 with the Oitekaze stable and rose quickly, reaching a career-high of komusubi—the sport’s fourth-highest rank—in May 2018. A prolonged absence led to his latest demotion and cost him sekitori status (sumo’s salaried top two divisions) for the first time since July 2013, the outlet reported.
He will take the elder name “Kitajin” and is expected to train up-and-coming wrestlers at Oitekaze stable, according to Kyodo News.
Endo’s retirement closes a 12-year top-flight run marked by strong technique and crowd appeal. His shift to the Japan Sumo Association’s coaching ranks follows a common path for veteran rikishi whose injuries prevent a return to the upper divisions. Further details on his retirement timetable and duties as Kitajin were not immediately disclosed.
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