Ilana Kartisch, Shihiko Higuchi (Yoshi), Walzer Kapron – Israel Sumo Championship 26/04/24 (Photo: Gal Ya’akovi)
(Hypa) – For about 15 years, no sumo tournaments have been held in Israel. The Leo Back Sports Center in Haifa hosted the Israeli Sumo Championship last Friday (April 26, 2024). The event attracted participants from all over the country and featured competitions between boys and girls aged 12 and over. Approximately 200 athletes took part in the tournament, including the winner of the adult division of the 2023 European Sumo Championships. This tournament is considered a benchmark match that determines the selection process for the European Championships and the World Sumo Championships. Towards 2024.
Israel Sumo Championship 26/04/24 (Photo: Ilana Kartish)
About the Sumo Branch
The rules of sumo are simple and clear. The fight takes place between two wrestlers in a circular arena. Sumo fights last only a few seconds before one of the participants is knocked to the floor or pushed out of the ring. Sumo originated in Japan, and in Japanese culture the sport is associated with many spiritual rituals.
Israeli Sumo Championship 26/04/24 (Photo: Gal Yacovi)
Ilana Kartisch, tournament director, Olympic wrestler and 2023 Sumo Europe runner-up, told Heife:
“I am happy that we recently raised our gloves and strengthened our new chapter in Israel, the Sumo Chapter.
Yes, it’s not just a sport for adults, it’s a sport divided by age and weight. The event attracted participants from all over the country and was an opportunity to get to know the young and talented generation of sumo wrestlers. It is true that there were some promising players in the sumo division. We believe that we can exploit this potential and achieve many achievements at future European and World Championships.
“Our goal is the promotion and development of the Sumo branch and I am proud of the work we have done. Without funds and support we could not have organized such a big event. It is clear that the number of athletes in Israel will reach 200 within the next few days.”Thanks to everyone who participated in this championship, we are moving in the right direction and can achieve many great results. I am sure.
Ilana Kartisch, Shihiko Higuchi (Yoshi), Walzer Kapron – Israel Sumo Championship 26/04/24 (Photo: Gal Ya’akovi)
guest of honor of the contest
“We were happy and excited to see Zubika Balbi (city councilor) taking part in the competition, and she gave kind words and encouragement to the athletes in the lead-up to the medal ceremony. Cultural Attaché Yoshihiko Higuchi was also happy and excited to be participating in this tournament.”Israel also participated as a guest of honor and spoke a few words about the traditional and cultural connections between sumo and Japan.
“Thank you to all the amazing coaches who participated. Each and every one of you contributed so much to this experience.”
Zvika Barbie and Ilana Kartisch – Israeli Sumo Championship 26/04/24 (Photo: Gal Yaakovi)
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