Sumo wrestler Takayasu's grandmother has hardly been able to get up over the past three years because of arthritis.
But Susana Camacho's state of mind and spirit is just as strong as her grandson, who is in top shape for the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament that began Sunday. Following his outstanding performance in the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, Takayasu, 27, was promoted to the sport's second-highest rank of ozeki in May.
"Akira-kun (little Akira)! He is my grandson. I'm very proud of my grandson," Camacho beamed last Friday when she was interviewed in her home on the tiny island of Jandayan in the central Philippines. This is also where Takayasu's mother, Bebelita, the eldest of the Camachos' six children, was born and spent her early childhood.