Mongolian rank-and-file wrestler Takanoiwa on Friday submitted his resignation to sumo's governing body for assaulting a younger wrestler in the latest scandal to tarnish the image of the sport.

The Japan Sumo Association accepted the resignation from Takanoiwa, 28, who himself was a victim of an assault last year that led to the resignation of yokozuna Harumafuji.

Takanoiwa struck the lower-ranked wrestler of his Chiganoura stable at a hotel in Fukuoka during the ongoing regional tour Tuesday night, according to the JSA.