TOKYO (JAPAN) – For the first time in five months on Sunday, fans of sumo wrestling were able to watch the much-delayed July tournament wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing in the capital.
The outbreak of the pandemic forced the tournament, which was scheduled to be held in May, to be cancelled. March’s Spring Grand Tournament in Osaka was held behind closed doors.
However, the July meet was further delayed by two weeks after it was moved from its usual venue in Nagoya to the capital to reduce the risk of infection.
During the two-week tourney, the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) will allow 2,500 fans a day at Ryogoku Kokugikan, which can accomodate 11,000 people.
Since July 10, the government has allowed baseball and soccer fans to attend matches in stadiums where the spectators have been capped at 5,000.
The JSA has prohibited sumo wrestlers from venturing outdoors unless it is absolutely necessary urging them to restrict training to their home stables.
Grand champion Hakuho on Sunday opened his account with a win, while fellow grand champion Kakuryu lost.
Seating boxes that usually accommodate four now have only one spectator to ensure social distancing during matches.
In May, a 28-year-old sumo wrestler was tested positive for novel coronavirus and succumbed to multiple organ failure.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field
