Details of the sumo-wrestling exhibition tournament to be held in Ulaanbaatar later this year were announced by organizers this week.

The Japan Sumo Association last year announced that Mongolia would host the tournament, which is rarely held outside of Japan, from August 26-29.

Famous Mongolian wrestler D.Dagvadorj, or better known as yokozuna Asashoryu, is currently in the country and was expected to attend the press conference. He instead sent elder brother D.Sumyabazar and a Japanese official.

According to officials, the wrestlers and media will arrive in Ulaanbaatar on August 25, which will give them two days to rest before competition begins.

Japan Sumo Association chairman Kitanoumi has not yet confirmed whether he will attend the show in Mongolia.

Only sumo wrestlers from the highest division are usually allowed to compete at such exhibition tournaments, called jungyo, which are usually organized in Japan during the non-competition periods.

Organizers announced that some lower division wrestlers would also be allowed to compete in this tournament.

Both Mongolian and Japanese organizing committees are placing big importance on the event, which will allow local sumo fans to see their favorite wrestlers up-close.

Organizers currently expect around 120 sumo wrestlers to attend, including famous Japanese wrestlers Kaio and Chiyotaikai.

Another 200 people, mostly journalists and media crews, will arrive shortly before the event.

The Japan Sumo Association is in charge of transportation, and as a rule the JSA states that wrestlers from the same stable are not allowed to sit in the same plane.

The venue has not been decided, but organizers are most likely to choose between “Asa” circus, the Wrestling Palace or the Stadium.

The tournament opening ceremony will be held at the National Stadium, where the Naadam opening ceremony is held annually.

Officials also revealed although the ticket price has yet to be set, the approximate price will be Tg5,000 to make it accessible to Mongolian spectators.

The UB Post

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