Japan’s most famous sumo tournament to be cancelled ‘over scandal’

The tournament of the ancient sport was scheduled to begin on March 13 in Osaka, western Japan. But according to a Japanese newspaper, the sumo association will officially seek its cancellation at an emergency committee meeting tomorrow.

The report said the cancellation will allow more time for a probe into the scandal. If the investigation results accurate, this will be the first time in 65 years the Japan Sumo Association would have a cancelled a tournament.

“It’s a matter of trust with fans,” a senior official at the association was quoting as telling the newspaper.

“The association’s top members have been ready to accept the cancellation,” the official said.

Japan’s education minister, who also supervises the sport, said that at least three active sumo fighters have for the first time admitted fixing bouts, condemning an "act of betrayal" of an ancient sport.