Kotozakura Beats Hoshoryu to Win Sumo Exhibition Tournament in Paris

Ozeki Kotozakura defeated yokozuna Hoshoryu in a playoff Sunday (local time) to win the Japan Sumo Association's two-day exhibition tournament in Paris.

The tournament took place in the French capital over the weekend, drawing top Japanese sumo wrestlers including yokozuna Hoshoryu and ozeki Kotozakura.

In the final match, Kotozakura showed superior strength to defeat Hoshoryu and claim the championship. This was the first time the exhibition tournament was held in Paris since 2024, aimed at promoting sumo internationally.

The Japan Sumo Association said the event received strong interest from French audiences, with matches that were lively and dramatic.