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TOKYO : Controversial sumo grand champion Asashoryu announced his retirement on Thursday following a drunken attack on a man outside a Tokyo nightclub.
"I decided to retire. So many things have happened. But I feel fine right now," the 29-year-old Mongolian told reporters.
Asashoryu, whose real name is Dolgorsuren Dagvadorj, attacked the man following a drinking session in the middle of the season-opening tournament last month in Tokyo.
Asashoryu, labelled the "bad boy" of sumo for his abrasive remarks and manners despite his sporting success, made the announcement after being questioned by the board of the Japan Sumo Association, the sport's governing body.
He reportedly hit the man during an altercation outside the club at around 4am on January 16 in the swanky nightclub district of Nishiazabu.
Asashoryu's stable master told reporters his charge had said he could not remember exactly what had happened on the night because he was too drunk.
The victim, who suffered a broken nose, a cut lip and bruises to the back of his head, spoke to police but did not file a formal complaint.
Asashoryu had initially told the Japan Sumo Association that he had punched his own manager.
Asashoryu submitted a letter to the board, expressing his intention to retire, according to the association's chairman, Musashigawa.
Sumo authorities can dismiss wrestlers who cause scandals that damage the reputation of the sport, or whose results are poor.
Asashoryu claimed his 25th tournament victory last month to become the third best wrestler in history, bettered only by Taiho's 32 titles and Chiyonofuji's 31.
- AFP /ls
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