Third-ranked maegashira Tamawashi, who has not missed a single bout in his 18-year career, has withdrawn from the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament due to a positive coronavirus case in his Kataonami stable, the Japan Sumo Association said Friday.
The 37-year-old Mongolian wrestler's streak of 1,448 consecutive contests fought since his debut in January 2004 is the fourth longest all-time. His streak is expected to be officially kept alive, however, as the JSA has supported COVID-19-related medical exemptions.
Ura, Tamawashi's opponent for the 13th day of the 15-day meet at Dolphins Arena, wins by forfeit. Tamawashi was 5-7 after Thursday.
Eleven out of the sport's 43 stables, where wrestlers live and train, have withdrawn all members from the Nagoya tourney because wrestlers either caught the virus or came into close contact with someone who tested positive.
A total of 158 wrestlers, including 13 sekitori in the juryo and makuuchi divisions, have either missed or withdrawn from the Nagoya Basho due to COVID-related issues.