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Ukrainian Sumo Star Dmytro Kovalenko Claims First International Title in Japan
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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 1:30 GMT by CNN- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Ukrainian Sumo Star Takes Home the Crown at Japan International Tournament
On a bright Saturday afternoon in early December, the famed Dojo of the Japan International Sumo Championship—an event that has long been a showcase for both domestic and foreign talent—saw an unlikely hero step onto the tatami. Dmytro Kovalenko, a 27‑year‑old sumo wrestler from Kharkiv, Ukraine, clinched the prestigious title at the Japan International HNK tournament held in Sapporo, becoming the first Ukrainian to win the event and cementing his place among sumo’s elite.
The tournament, organized by the Japan Sumo Association in partnership with local sponsors, has been an annual fixture since 2009. While the Japan National Sumo Championships continue to dominate headlines, the International HNK event is specifically designed to attract competitors from across the globe, giving foreign wrestlers a chance to test their mettle in Japan’s most respected arena. Kovalenko’s triumph has sparked excitement both in Japan and back home, where the wrestling community has long been eager to see a Ukrainian make waves on the world stage.
From Kharkiv to Tokyo: Kovalenko’s Journey
Kovalenko’s path to sumo stardom was anything but linear. Growing up in Kharkiv, he began his sporting life as a mixed‑martial‑arts enthusiast, competing in judo and sambo during his teenage years. The conflict that erupted in eastern Ukraine in 2014 forced him to leave his hometown and pursue opportunities elsewhere. By 2016, he had moved to Russia where he continued training, but the lure of sumo—a sport that emphasizes discipline, balance, and cultural heritage—was irresistible.
In 2018, after securing a scholarship from the International Sumo Federation, Kovalenko relocated to Tokyo to train at the Takasaki Dojo. “It was a dream come true,” he said in a 2025 interview with The Japan Times. “Sumo is about respect, strength, and humility. Those values resonated with me, especially after what I had experienced back home.” The Japanese Sumo Association’s official statement praised Kovalenko’s commitment, noting that his rigorous training regimen—consisting of 20‑hour days that blend traditional drills with modern sports science—had propelled him from a newcomer to a front‑line contender in just a few years.
The Tournament: A Clash of Titans
The Japan International HNK tournament is known for its high level of competition, featuring seasoned sumo wrestlers from Mongolia, the United States, Turkey, and several other nations. Kovalenko entered the tournament as a dark horse, ranked 12th in the international standings. Over the course of three days, he faced and defeated three opponents, including a two‑time tournament finalist from Mongolia and a rising star from the United States who had recently broken into the top ten of the global rankings.
His final match, held in front of a packed stadium of 8,000 spectators, was a masterclass in technique. Kovalenko used a combination of tsukuri (body positioning) and kuzushi (off-balance) to outmaneuver a formidable opponent. The match concluded with a decisive fumikiri (force out), sealing his victory and earning him the gold medal.
The tournament’s official website, linked in the original article, offers a detailed breakdown of the matches, highlighting Kovalenko’s statistical dominance—averaging 4.7 force‑outs per bout and maintaining a 97% win rate throughout the competition.
A Symbol of Resilience
Kovalenko’s win carries weight far beyond the tatami. With the war in Ukraine ongoing, sports have emerged as a form of soft diplomacy and national pride. “Every time I lift a trophy, I feel like I’m standing up for my country,” Kovalenko told CNN in a post‑tournament interview. “It’s a small thing, but it shows that Ukrainians can compete and win, even against the backdrop of adversity.”
The Ukrainian Sumo Federation’s press release—linked in the article—expressed profound gratitude to the Japan Sumo Association for fostering international talent. It called Kovalenko’s victory “an inspiration to young athletes in Ukraine who aspire to compete on a global stage.”
The Future of International Sumo
The Japan Sumo Association has already announced plans to expand the International HNK tournament, aiming to attract more diverse talent and possibly introduce a women’s division in the coming years. A linked feature article on BBC Sport delved into how sumo’s growing international footprint could reshape traditional norms, with Kovalenko’s win serving as a benchmark for the sport’s potential to bridge cultures.
Meanwhile, Kovalenko is already eyeing the upcoming World Sumo Championships in Tokyo, where he hopes to bring the Ukrainian flag to the podium again. “I’m excited to keep training, and I want to inspire other Ukrainians to pursue their dreams, no matter where they lead,” he said.
In a world that often feels divided, Dmytro Kovalenko’s journey from a war‑torn hometown to the pinnacle of sumo in Japan underscores the universal power of perseverance, discipline, and cultural exchange. His triumph at the Japan International HNK tournament is more than a personal achievement; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the unifying power of sport.
Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/24/asia/ukrainian-sumo-wrestler-wins-japan-intl-hnk ]
