Japan’s sumo tourney nixed over match-fixing scandal

Japan`s scandal-tainted national sport of sumo is facing new allegations of fixed matches that have prompted the Japan Sumo Association to cancel a tournament in March.

The cancellation would be the first since Japan`s main sumo venue in Tokyo was renovated in 1946.

According to the major Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun, two sumo wrestlers and one coach received bribes for throwing matches. They used mobile phones to exchange text messages on how they would lose and how they would refund the money if the plan failed.

The sumo association is also investigating 14 other wrestlers who face a similar suspicion.

The Japanese media and public have blasted the country’s ancient sport in the wake of a series of scandals.

changkim@donga.com