Abu dhabi: The All-Star Sumo Competition, hosted by the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), will take place at Abu Dhabi's Space42 Arena on 26th September, marking the UAE's first international professional sumo competition and bringing one of Japan's oldest and most distinctive sporting traditions to the capital.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event will feature nine elite rikishi from Japan, Mongolia, and Egypt competing across 36 bouts. These athletes boast world championship titles, Emperor's Cup honours, and decades of professional competition experience. The spectacle promises more than just the excitement of the matches, offering spectators a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of sumo through a formal ring-entering procession and traditional pre-bout rituals.
Mohamad Yehya, General Manager of Space42 Arena, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, "Bringing professional sumo to the UAE for the first time is an exciting addition to Abu Dhabi's sporting calendar and an opportunity to introduce audiences to a sport with a rich history and deeply rooted traditions." He emphasized that the event will provide fans with a unique opportunity to experience sumo up close and appreciate the atmosphere that makes the sport distinctive.
The competition will be headlined by Ichi of Japan, a winner of the prestigious Emperor's Cup, alongside Hiroki, one of the largest active competitors in the sport. The lineup also underscores sumo's global appeal, featuring Mongolia's Mendee, a junior World Sumo Champion and International Sumo Champion, and Egypt's Ramy El-Gazar, an internationally decorated champion, providing regional audiences with a connection to the event.