The sumo wrestling world has been shaken after two Russian-born wrestlers received lifetime bans for testing positive for cannabis. The Japan Sumo Association announced the bans following an emergency meeting on Monday, with chairman Kitanoumi resigning to take responsibility for the scandal.
The wrestlers, brothers Roho and Hakurozan, tested positive during the sport's first ever drug tests, ordered after the arrest of another Russian wrestler, Wakanoho, last month for marijuana possession. A subsequent test by a certified laboratory confirmed the results, showing levels far exceeding passive inhalation.
Kitanoumi, a former grand champion, said he had been assured by Hakurozan that he had not used the drug and had believed him. He will be replaced by former wrestler Musashigawa. The association has also banned Wakanoho, the first wrestler ever ejected for drug use.
Police have questioned the two brothers and searched their rooms, but further legal action remains unclear. Possession of marijuana is a serious offence in Japan, though use itself is not illegal. The scandal has dominated headlines and dealt a blow to the ancient sport's reputation for high moral standards.
