Sumo elder Tamagaki will take over the running of the Miyagino stable after incumbent and former yokozuna Hakuho was penalized for repeated acts of violence by his protege, the Japan Sumo Association said Tuesday.
The 59-year-old Tamagaki, who fought under the name Tomonohana and reached the rank of komusubi, will run the stable during the March 10-24 Spring Grand Sumo Tournament following repeated acts of violence to younger wrestlers by Hokuseiho and a lack of supervision by Miyagino.
The 22-year-old Hokuseiho had his retirement accepted on Friday, while Miyagino, who won a record 45 Emperor's Cup under the name Hakuho, was demoted two ranks to the lowest of the JSA's ranks for sumo elders, handed a 20-percent pay cut for three months and removed from his role as the chief of his stable.
"It's a serious issue. I'd like the wrestlers to understand the situation and behave responsibly," Tamagaki said. "The JSA has a considerably stern view on the matter."
Tamagaki said members of the Miyagino stable will have their activities severely restricted under the guidance of the JSA and its compliance committee during the tournament in Osaka.
"I was told to think as if the stable is no longer there, and limit their activities," he said.
The Miyagino stable will be overseen by the Isegahama group from April onward, with its operational details to be discussed in due course.
Tamagaki had an unusual career, making his professional sumo debut at age 27 in 1992 following a spell as a high school teacher, and the diminutive wrestler was popular for his tricky techniques.
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