https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250729/p2g/00m/0sp/039000c
>Ukrainian Aonishiki fuels predictions of future ozeki promotion

Although he came up short in his bid for a maiden top-division championship, rising Ukrainian grappler Aonishiki's stellar performance at the recent Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament has some insiders predicting his eventual promotion to the lofty rank of ozeki.

Competing as a No. 1 maegashira, the 21-year-old was in the title race until his loss on the final day of the 15-day tournament to Kotoshoho, who clinched the championship by winning their match on Sunday.

Aonishiki has compiled an impressive 11-4 record in each of his three tournaments in the elite makuuchi division, employing a low-to-the-ground stance that reflects his background in the sport of wrestling as a youth.

Stablemaster Kokonoe, formerly ozeki Chiyotaikai, compared the youngster's dynamic grappling style to that of a past great.

"He reminds me of (former ozeki) Tochiazuma, when he was on his way up," Kokonoe said.

Despite his forward leaning posture, Aonishiki has not been vulnerable to pulling techniques, with one opponent wryly observing that he "never goes down."

Sumo elder Takekuma, formerly ozeki Goeido, said Aonishiki exhibited both excellent strength and technique.

"It shows the strength of his abdominals and back muscles," Takekuma said. "Since both legs are never in line, you can't slap him down."

Stablemaster Asakayama is also among the elders impressed by the emerging European star, having seen firsthand his dedication and will to improve during practice sessions.

"He's focused on one thing, how he can get stronger," Asakayama, formerly ozeki Kaio, said.

Speaking after his loss to Kotoshoho on Sunday in Nagoya, Aonishiki indicated his strong desire to continue climbing toward sumo's upper echelon.

"My sumo life starts from here," he said.