Mongolian yokozuna Kakuryu withdrew from the ongoing Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament because of a right foot injury Wednesday, another in a string of ailments that his stablemaster Izutsu said may end his career.
"Being prone to injury means he's losing power. If he can't win next time he steps on the dohyo, there will be no option to pull out midway. He would have to take the decision (to retire from the sport) as a man," Izutsu said.
Despite the bad news, the 31-year-old Kakuryu remained upbeat.