Scandal hit sumo wrestlers bounce back

By Louise Miner with Reuters

Published on 16/04/2018 - 15:46 GMT+2

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Thousands of wrestling fanatics and tourists enjoyed the ceremonial Spring Festival sumo wrestling tournament amid scandals over Japan's national sport. It's after a raft of negative publicity surrounding incidents ranging from assault, bullying to accusations of sexism.

Thousands of wrestling fanatics and tourists enjoyed the ceremonial Spring Festival sumo wrestling tournament.

The event was held at a controversial war shrine in Tokyo on Monday amid scandals over Japan's national sport.

It's after a raft of negative publicity surrounding incidents ranging from assault, bullying to accusations of sexism.

The sumo ring is believed to be sacred and according to some media, a place where sumo wrestlers make offerings to a jealous female goddess.

But many fans believe the ancient sport should be more inclusive, particularly with the Tokyo 2020 Olympics just around the corner.

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