Sumo wrestler from Japan died after falling on his head during a match

A sumo wrestler from Japan died after falling on his head during a match last month, in a devastating injury that sent ripples through the sport and prompted calls for change.

Hibikiryu, a lower-tier wrestler whose real identity was Mitsuki Amano, perished of acute respiratory failure in a Tokyo hospital on Wednesday evening, according to the Japan Sumo Association.

“May his soul rest in peace,” the statement added, “and we share our sincere appreciation for his contribution to the sport.”

During a March 26 fight, the 28-year-old was tossed by his rival, and footage widely circulated at the time found him lying motionless but seemingly alive. Officials from the Sumo Association say he went few minutes without receiving medical care from qualified practitioners. Shots of him lying down without aid shocked the world.

Officials then handed him over, something doctors said could have only been performed by qualified medics due to the risk of a spinal injury.

According to the Sankei Shimbun daily, Hibikiryu was responsive when he was taken to an ambulance and was able to communicate during his hospital treatment.

Although doctors are present during matches, they are not back in the ring, and it is traditional to wait for wrestlers to rise on their own.
According to many local sports publications, the sumo body is considering reforms, such as stationing doctors ringside, as in professional boxing.

In recent times, the risk of major head trauma became a concern in a variety of sports.

World Rugby is facing court action by nine retired professional players who claim to have developed psychiatric disabilities as a result of injuries sustained during their careers, and has implemented new regulations aimed at reducing serious injuries.

The Premier League is currently testing perpetual concussion alternatives and has faced calls to do something to prevent footballers having to play after injury issues. Hibikiryu is the very first professional wrestler to pass away since the other lower-tier wrestler, Shobushi, died of multiple organ failure after contracting the coronavirus and developing pneumonia in May, according to Kyodo News.

Sumo has been subjected to a barrage of negative coverage in recent years, prompting calls for change, including changes to the laws governing women’s admission to the sumo ring.

The Japan Sumo Association was required to give an apology in 2018 after women who came to the rescue of a fallen official in the ring were constantly forced to evacuate.