Greeting speech at 1st Junior Sumó World Championships of
Katsuo Tokitsukaze, Chairman of Japan Sumó Association
Congratulatory Address
I wish to offer my sincere congratulations for the opening of the First Junior Sumó
World Championship. The Japan Sumó Association has performed a number of
overseas exhibitions recently and we are especially pleased to see that people
throughout the world now understand sumó is a fun and attractive sport. Sumó
has prospered worldwide with the help of the overseas promotional activities by
the International Sumó Federation.
During this championship, being held at the Sumó Hall of Fame, Kokugikan, a
fresh, vibrant atmosphere will prevail with young people from all over the world
competing to achieve the best results. I hope all participants will display, to the
honor of their country, their highest level of ability that they have obtained
through their intense training.
At the same time, I would like each athlete to realize they are inheriting the
traditional sumó culture. In doing so, I ask that they be courteous at all times, that
they enrich soul, body, and skill, as well as pay respect to rules and regulations in
all aspects of their daily life. I also encourage all of you to invite your friends at
home to participate in this sport and endeavor to popularize and develop the sumó
culture. I believe every effort will help sumó become an Olympic event.
And finally, I would like to thank all those involved for their tremendous effort in
making this championship happen and the audience for enthusiastically
supporting us. I wish every success and further development of this championship.
Katsuo Tokitsukaze
Chairman
Japan Sumó Association
