Up-and-coming No. 9 maegashira Hakuoho has undergone surgery on his left shoulder: and will miss the entire 15-day Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament starting Sunday in Tokyo, his stablemaster Miyagino said Monday.
The talented 20-year-old made a stunning top-tier makuuchi division debut at the Nagoya tournament in July, claiming both the Fighting Spirit and Technique awards after staying in title contention until the final day as a rank-and-file No. 17.
But his spirited efforts on the raised ring aggravated a shoulder injury dating back to his junior high school days.
Miyagino, better known as the former yokozuna Hakuho, winner of a record 45 top-division titles, revealed Hakuoho had the operation on Thursday.
Hakuoho, who is set to be demoted back to the second-tier juryo division for November's Kyushu meet, said the condition of his shoulder had "reached its limit."
"I'm fine however low I drop (in the rankings). I want to come back stronger than I am now," he said.
Following an outstanding amateur career, Hakuoho competed in just three tournaments before reaching makuuchi, tying the record set by Endo for the quickest promotion to the top flight.
"I was getting attention after reaching juryo and makuuchi so early, and while my left shoulder had hit its limit, there was a fear of dropping my rank," Hakuoho said. "It took time to decide on having surgery."
Hakuoho was absent from the Japan Sumo Association's regional tour due to the subluxation in his left shoulder.
Miyagino said he will "consult with doctors" on the schedule of Hakuoho's return to action.