Kaio's preparations for the upcoming Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament suffered a setback Sunday after the ozeki pulled a hamstring in his right leg during a practice bout.
Kaio struggled to get back on his feet after being thrust down by Mongolian grappler Hakuho. According to No. 3 maegashira Kyokutenho, who was also at the practice session, Kaio said he "heard something snap."
"Obviously there's no way he will be able to practice (from tomorrow), stablemaster Tomozuna said, casting a doubt over whether Kaio will recover in time to compete at the Sept. 11-25 meet at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan.