The scandal-hit Japan Sumo Association says it will aim to hold the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in May and vowed to expedite its investigation into match-fixing, sources said.
The announcement came after a special investigative panel informed the JSA board during a meeting Tuesday at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena of its plans to break an impasse in the ongoing probe and conclude the first stage of investigations by mid-March.
The deadlock pertains to sumo figures who have not cooperated in the probe, including by surrendering their cell phones, which may have text messages regarding match-fixing.