Japan Sumo Association chairman Kitanoumi said Sunday he may call for tests for steroid use in sumo due to a recent spate of injuries to wrestlers in the sport.

"We can't ignore the fact that steroid use in sumo was called into question in the Diet. If it's necessary, we will ask for the cooperation of the sumo executive committee and sumo elders committee in conducting doping tests," said Kitanoumi.

Added one anonymous makuuchi division wrestler: "There are probably some wrestlers who are using steroids but it's not prohibited. We are not children, so it's really up to the person if he wants to use the drug or not."