Greeting speech at 1st Junior Sumó World Championships of Séiji
Yoshida, President of Japan Sumó Federation
Greetings
It is my great pleasure that the First Junior Sumó
World Championship, turning a new page in the history of amateur sumó, is being held at this temple of
sumó, Kokugikan, on such a grand scale.
These days there are many choices in sports, for example, football, baseball, and
tennis to participate in. I am more than delighted, as one of the organizers of this
championship, to find that sumó has nevertheless obtained such a popularity among young people all over the world, who represent each country in this Junior
Sumó World Championship today.
Sumó
In sumó, politeness and fairness are always required. Each athlete competing in
this championship today, is expected to follow the prescribed manners, equipped with the spirit of respect. Challenge each bout with fairness so that you will leave
nothing to be regretted. I believe you will have a life changing experience opening
new opportunities for your future when you fight each bout with all your strength.
Furthermore, I would be pleased if each athlete learns how to be a man of excellent
character, remaining humble in victory and never discouraged by defeat, honoring
the winner and showing consideration to the loser. I would also be happy if you truly
become an international person through mutual exchanges.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to those
who are involved including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture
and Education, Japanese Olympic Committee, Japan Sumó Association and Japan Foundation. At the same time I sincerely hope for the success of this championship
and its further development in the future.
Séiji Yoshida, President
Japan Sumó Federation
