Bulgarian sumo wrestler makes history with fast rise to senior rank
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-11-30 16:14

Bulgarian sumo wrestler Kotooshu has made history by becoming the first European to reach the second-highest rank in the traditional Japanese sport.

"I hereby report that we have unanimously decided to promote Kotooshu to (the rank of) ozeki," a representative from the Japan Sumo Association told the 22-year-old wrestler, flanked by his stable master and former coach.

Bowing deeply and clad in a formal kimono, Kotooshu replied: "I would like to accept it humbly. I will practice hard to be true to the name of ozeki."

The ceremony in the southern Japanese city of Fukuoka was nationally televised, reflecting the high level of public interest in the young wrestler, dubbed by Japanese media as Bulgaria's best-known export after yoghurt.

Kotooshu, whose real name is Mahlyanov Kaloyan Stefanov, has reached the rank in the fastest speed since 1958 when the centuries-old sports introduced the current tournament style.

He got the promotion from the Japan Sumo Association after his 19th tournament appearance since his debut. The previous record for the quickest rise to ozeki was Mongolian grand champion Asashoryu who did it in 22.

Asashoryu himself has become a sumo legend by securing an unprecedented seventh straight title at the Kyushu Grand Sumo tournament which ended Sunday.

Trained for Western-style wrestling as a teenager, Kotooshu came to Japan three years ago and made his debut in the November tournament in 2002.

With looks likened to David Beckham, the Bulgarian has made waves in a sport rarely known for its sex appeal.

The Bulgarian, whose real name is Mahlyanov Kaloyan Stefanov, is a giant 204 centimeters (six foot, eight inches) tall but weighs an unusually lean 143 kilograms (315 pounds), using his nimble physique as an asset against famously plump sumo wrestlers.