TOKYO (JAPAN) – Japan’s top-ranked sumo wrestler Hakuho has been released from hospital after being treated for coronavirus infection, a Japanese sports daily reported on Thursday.
Hakuho, 35, who is the longest-serving yokozuna (top-ranked sumo wrestler) of all time, tested positive for the coronavirus on Jan. 5 after losing his sense of smell. Hochi reported that his ability to smell has returned.
His positive test came just five days before the ongoing sumo New Year Grand Tournament in Tokyo began.
In May, 28-year-old sumo wrestler Shobushi died due to multiple organ failure related to the coronavirus after he became infected.