TOKYO -- Mongolia-born sumo Grand Champion Hakuho became a Japanese citizen on Tuesday, according to a government media release. The step is necessary for the 34-year-old yokozuna to remain active in the sport when he retires from the ring.
Hakuho holds a record 42 grand championship victories, making him one of the greatest wrestlers to step into the dohyo. He is the third foreign-born yokozuna to acquire Japanese citizenship, according to Kyodo News.
