Former ozeki Kotoshogiku, the oldest wrestler in sumo's top two divisions, has officially retired from competition and will take on the role of a toshiyori elder under the name Hidenoyama at the Sadogatake stable, the Japan Sumo Association said Sunday.
The 36-year-old makuuchi-division stalwart had dropped down to the second-tier juryo ranks for the first time in 15 years at the ongoing November Grand Sumo Tournament before deciding to close the curtain on his 19-year career.
Having been granted the toshiyori elder designation reserved for wrestlers who reached a sufficiently high level in their sporting career, Kotoshogiku is permitted to establish, run and coach in his own stable in retirement.