Ukrainian Refugee Wins Sumo Tournament.

When Russia invaded Ukraine, many Ukrainians fled. One Ukrainian fled to Japan and at 21 became a Sumo champion. Little did Danylo Yavhusishyn know that his path to Japan would take him to the heights of Sumo wrestling. At first, Sumo wrestling can seem a little odd. Two overweight men are grappling to get the other one out of the ring. Of course, that is to make light of this traditional style of Japanese wrestling as opposed to Western wrestling. Athletes need to eat a special diet and train to get to the size this combat sport requires.

However, it seems that Sumo is gaining popularity in the West. A top team of Sumo wrestlers came to the UK. They put on a wrestling bout for those who enjoy the sport. Will Sumo become a thing in the UK? One would think not; however, you can never tell. Just like American Football has fans here in the UK and Soccer has taken off in the US, it might be the same with Sumo in the West.

The war in Ukraine is still as savage and pointless as ever. Both sides are lobbing missiles and drones at each other, largely at civilian targets. Trump and Starmer appear hopeful that a lasting peace plan could be in the offing. Of course, as with every plan, there is hope, and there is hope dashed. We will have to wait and see what happens in these very delicate negotiations.

Speaking at a news conference, Danylo Yavhusishyn said, "I hope that people from Ukraine will be able to see my sumo, and will have some kind of encouragement from that". Mr. Yavhusishyn won the deciding match in the 15-day Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament in Fukuoka in Southwestern Japan, on Sunday. Mr. Yavhusishyn was awarded the Prime Minister's Cup from a Japanese government minister. Danylo overcame a top Mongolian wrestler to win the bout and ultimately the trophy.

No doubt Danylo's family, whether in Ukraine or elsewhere, will be aware of his victory. I am sure that in Danylo's mind, his win is not only for himself but is also a victory for Ukraine. A country that has lost territory, soldiers, equipment, and many civilian lives in trying to hold back the Russian Juggernaut. And yet for all that, Ukraine has stood up to the Russian Bear. Yes, with the help of the West, which sometimes looked in doubt, especially with Trump in the White House. The war, too, has cost Russia much, and despite the shenanigans of Vlad "The Invader" Putin, many Russians will want peace, too.

Sumo wrestling is often seen and correctly so as a Japanese sport. For centuries, its champions were Japanese, as Japan was cut off (for much of its history) from the West. But since World War II, Japanese culture has spread to the rest of the world. Take Sushi, now a worldwide dish. Take Manga and Anime, so popular in the West. The Samurai have become a fascination, as have Ninjas. Japanese martial arts, like Karate, are now worldwide. Although technically Karate is Okinawan. Okinawa was often a separate entity from Japan until Japan claimed it. People from other nations now enjoy and take part in all of the above.

Sumo is a Japanese sport, and most of its participants will be Japanese. But Danylo has proved you don't have to be Japanese to do it. Yes, Danylo is Ukrainian with all the baggage that comes with being a refugee.

However, Danylo has embraced Japan, the country he now calls home. Danylo will have the love and support of two nationalities now as he goes forward in his career, Japanese and Ukrainian.