Following an outstanding performance at the recent Kyushu Basho, the sport of sumo has a new prince named Ama. Early this week he will receive an official visit from representatives of the Nihon Sumo Kyokai notifying him of his promotion to the rank of ozeki.
Ama's promotion comes on the back of a splendid 13-2 record after 15 days of action, coupled with 10-5 and 12-3 performances in July and September. As a benchmark, 33 wins or so, accumulated over three successive tournaments while at the rank of sekiwake are seen as a prerequisite for promotion to ozeki. The quality of the sumo performed is another consideration and in all areas, Ama's report card this year has been stamped with a well deserved A+.
The fact that he even pushed Hakuho, the sport's lone yokozuna of note, to the very end, losing only in a play-off on the last day after beating the Grand Champion earlier in the tournament, only added icing to the cake.