Greeting speech at the 1st Junior Sumó World Championships of
Akira Sasai, IFS President
Greetings
I am very pleased that we have such a great opportunity to hold the First Junior
Sumó World Championship under the patronage of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
the Ministry of Culture and Education, Japanese Olympic Committee, Japan Sumó
Association, and TV Asahi as well as the special support of Japan Foundation.
As you know, sumó has a long history and tradition. It is one of the cultural assets of
Japan, which people have fostered with utmost love and care. At the same time, it
has prevailed and developed as a modern sport to the extent that today continental
championships are respectively held in five continents and six regions in the world,
and the number of member countries of the International Sumó Federation has now
reached 81. If the 2008 Olympic Games are held in Osaka, sumó might be admitted
as a formal event for the Games.
There is the possibility that Sumó will be admitted to the 2008 Olympic Games. To
all of you, the athletes assembled here today at the Kokugikan, you have an
excellent chance to be able to compete in these Games. Though there are many
famous athletes currently competing in several international championships, you
now have the opportunity to refine your skills, body and spirit to ensure that the
2008 Games will be a success to all the sumó fans around the world who will be
watching. Your entitlement as an Olympic-caliber athlete will draw nearer as you
continue to improve your skills with each successive tournament.
It is with these best wishes of the organizers that I would like to begin the First
Junior Sumó World Championship. The diversity of athletes gathered here at this
time gives the sport of sumó a breadth and profoundness you could not find
elsewhere. I am confident that everyone of you participating in this Championship
will show to us all your superior performance with skill, strength and spirit you
have developed in your time of training. I believe this will be a very valuable
experience for you all; whether the result be a victory or a loss, the giant step you
are making into the future of this sport is priceless. Once the competition is over, I
encourage you to take advantage of the international goodwill and exchange the
Championship will offer.
In closing, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the Championship officials
who have tirelessly exerted of themselves to ensure such a great success. I hope and
look forward to the future success and development of the Junior Sumó World
Championship.
Akira Sasai, President
International Sumó Federation
