19-year-old Wakanoho’s temper got the better of him as he struggled to come to terms with defeat. The Russian grappler demolished a shelf of plates and bowls in the wrestlers’ communal bathroom and earned himself a stern ticking-off from the Japan Sumo Association (JSA).

According to Reuters, Wakanoho later told reporters “I get a bit upset when I lose. I don’t want to break things, but when I see dishes and stuff I just have to smash them”.

Series of sumo scandals

Sumo is Japan’s national sport, dates back over 2,000 years and still retains many Shinto religious overtones. However, in recent years, the sport has been rocked by a number of scandals, many far more serious than Wakanoho’s indiscretion. Wakanoho’s own stable master Magaki was recently warned by the JSA after admitting to beating a junior wrestler with a bamboo sword.
In February 2008, gym chief Junichi Yamamoto and three wrestlers from his stable were arrested on suspicion of inflicting bodily harm resulting in the death of Takashi Saito, a 17-year-old novice who fought under the name Tokitaizan.

In August 2007, Mongolian star Asashoryu Akinori became the first yokozuna (the sport’s highest rank) in sumo history to be suspended from competition. Asashoryu (pictured above) had returned to his homeland to recuperate from injury but was caught on camera playing in a charity football match. He was fined 30% of his salary and banned from two tournaments.
The incident confirmed Asashoryu’s status as sumo’s enfant terrible. He had previously raised the ire of the JSA after being accused of match fixing, refusing to attend the funeral of his stable master and continually fuelling a backstage feud with his rival Kyokushuzan.