TOKYO - After winning Greco-Roman wrestling gold at the Paris Olympics, Japan's Nao Kusaka is yearning for triumph at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games while drawing inspiration from sumo's Ukrainian sensation Aonishiki.
The 25-year-old Kusaka won the men's 77-kilogram division on his Olympic debut in 2024, thriving with an aggressive style honed during his years in sumo, in which he competed at the national level while in junior high school.
"While the world championships take place every year, winning the Asian Games, which only comes around every four years, is of high value," Kusaka said. "I want to show my strength to everyone."
The Kagawa Prefecture native kept a close eye on the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in July as sekiwake Aonishiki, who used to wrestle before choosing sumo, went all the way to lift the Emperor's Cup on his return from injury.
The 22-year-old was demoted from ozeki after a losing record in March and an injury-enforced absence in May, but he had no trouble winning the 10 bouts needed to secure his immediate return to the second-highest rank before winning the three-way title playoff.
"He goes under his opponent to get into his shape and is simply strong," Kusaka said. "I was watching thinking if there's anything I can make use of."
Also aiming for the top prize in Nagoya, Kusaka has been working to further improve his already renowned lower-body strength and stamina, sprinting up steep slopes at a ski resort during a training camp in early August in Gunma Prefecture.
"I'm managing to push myself properly while being forged by the toughness of mountains," said Kusaka, whose weight class in Paris saw Asians take three of the four medals, suggesting he can expect tough bouts in Nagoya.
"I'll be thorough with my movements even if they come up with countermeasures. I'll fight with focus and grit to win close matches," Kusaka said.
