Sumo to Stage Event in Paris as Part of Global Push

People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)
People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)
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Sumo to Stage Event in Paris as Part of Global Push

People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)
People gather at the entrance of Ryogoku Kokugikan for the arrival of sumo wrestlers during the Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo on January 19, 2025. (AFP)

Sumo will stage a tournament in Paris for the first time in over three decades next year in a push to expand the ancient sport beyond Japan, organizers said Sunday.

Accor Arena, which hosted basketball and gymnastics events at last year's Paris Olympics, will stage a two-day competition featuring top wrestlers in the French capital in June 2026.

Japan Sumo Association (JSA) officials announced last month that they will also stage a tournament later this year at London's Royal Albert Hall -- the first overseas sumo competition in 20 years.

"It's important for us to show our sport to the world," JSA chairman Hakkaku told reporters at Tokyo's Kokugikan, where the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament is currently taking place.

"And for the wrestlers, they're the best in the world, they should be proud of that and see that they're admired all over the world."

Paris hosted sumo tournaments in 1986 and 1995 at the invitation of former French president Jacques Chirac, who was known to be a huge fan of the centuries-old sport.

Hakkaku, who competed at the 1986 Paris event, said he was "grateful for the long and deep relations between sumo and France".

"We feel renewed joy and great responsibility as we prepare for our third performance in Paris in 2026," he said.

"We are committed to fully sharing the charm of sumo... with the French people."

French organizers said they would pull out all the stops to recreate the atmosphere of a sumo tournament in Japan.

David Rothschild, promoter and executive producer for events organizers AEG, said the Paris tournament would be part of a "festival" celebrating Japanese culture.

"When you say the word sumo, everyone in France knows it represents traditional Japanese culture," he said.

"There was a time when it was shown on TV and there are people in France who are very knowledgeable about it," Rothschild added.

"But time flies and we want to introduce the beauty of sumo to a new generation."

Sumo has staged events in several countries around the world, including the Soviet Union, Mexico and the United States.

The last overseas tournament organized by the JSA was in Las Vegas in 2005.

Hakkaku, the JSA chairman, said the association's efforts to bring sumo to audiences abroad were meant to "introduce people to the traditional culture of Japan".

"We thought a lot about how to develop our sport after Covid and I think this was the best idea, but it was already in our plans before that," he said.



Prince Mohammad bin Salman Award Celebrates Cultural Ties, Fosters Cultural Exchange between Saudi Arabia, China

During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA
During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA
TT

Prince Mohammad bin Salman Award Celebrates Cultural Ties, Fosters Cultural Exchange between Saudi Arabia, China

During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA
During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries - SPA

A cultural and social event introducing Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Award for Cultural Cooperation between Saudi Arabia and China took place on Wednesday, with the support of the Minister of Culture and Chairman of the Award's Board of Trustees Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan. The Board of Trustees deputy chairman, Faisal bin Abdulrahman bin Muaammar, was also present.
During the event, the objectives, branches, diverse prizes, and knowledge initiatives of the award were highlighted to enhance cultural communication between the two countries. Discussions focused on the historical and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China and the potential for cultural cooperation between them, SPA reported.
In his address at the event, bin Muaammar highlighted the significance of the award, which was named after HRH the Crown Prince and managed by the Ministry of Culture. He emphasized the strong relationship between Saudi Arabia and China, portraying it as a model of cultural interaction that brings them closer and enriches their cultural exchange across various areas.
He underscored that Saudi Vision 2030 prioritizes cultural openness, aligning with China's 'Belt and Road Initiative' that aims to enhance international integration. This new cultural cooperation embodies a model for mutually beneficial relationships, promising a bright future of development and prosperity for both countries.