Ukrainian refugee Aonishiki has become the first person from his country to win an elite sumo tournament. Danylo Yavhusishyn moved to Japan in 2022 at eighteen after Russia’s invasion and now competes under his ring name Aonishiki. In his winner’s interview, he was asked if he felt satisfied with his progress after three years in the sport. He said he wasn’t, calling this victory “just the beginning”. His ring name includes the Japanese character for blue as a tribute to the Ukrainian flag. #sumo #ukranian