PARIS - Sumo grand champions Onosato and Hoshoryu on Thursday toured Paris ahead of this weekend's two-day exhibition tournament in the French capital.
"It finally feels real that I've come to France. I'll enjoy myself while doing my best in sumo," yokozuna Onosato said with a smile, as he posed for photos in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Dressed in traditional gowns, the two highest-ranking wrestlers drew attention from tourists at the nearby Trocadero and happily obliged repeated requests for photographs.
"It's been a long time since I've been in a situation like this because I've been out of action for so long," said Onosato, who has sat out two straight grand tournaments due to a left shoulder injury.
After taking a bite of a baguette handed to him by reporters, Hoshoryu, who also withdrew from the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament in May at an early stage, said, "I want to rest my body and be fully prepared to compete."
The exhibition, which runs through Sunday, will mark the Japan Sumo Association's third event in Paris, following similar tours in 1986 and 1995.
