Newly promoted yokozuna Asashoryu received an honorary award from the Mongolian government on Tuesday in recognition of his achievement in professional sumo.
Prime Minister Nambaryn Enkhbayar gave the award to Asashoryu at the government office, a day after the 22-year-old arrived in the Mongolian capital for his first homecoming since being promoted to the highest rank of sumo two weeks ago.
"A grand champion who symbolizes the strength of the Mongolian people has just been born," the prime minister said. "All Mongolian people are delighted with your accomplishment."
Asashoryu said he will do his best to stay at the top of the sport as long as possible.
Asashoryu, whose real name is Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, became the first Mongolian yokozuna after winning the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament for back-to-back titles.
To commemorate the achievement, the Asashoryu Foundation has been set up to promote the education of young people.
The scholarship, to be funded by Asashoryu and private donors, will be used to help Mongolians studying abroad and for other projects.