ASEAN

Japan applauds return of Sumo amidst pandemic

SUMO has resumed in front of live audiences in Japan, despite a rise in the number of Covid-19 infections in the country.

Although fans greeted the news with joy, many remained cautious about watching the popular sport in arenas.

Authorities have also asked fans to refrain from cheering and just stick to applause as the grand sumo tournament started here last Sunday.

It is the sport's first top-level meet since March's Spring Grand Sumo tournament that was held behind closed doors in Osaka.

It comes a week after Japanese baseball and football also allowed spectators into stadiums.

According to Kyodo News, only 2,500 fans were allowed inside the 11,098-seat stadium.

To maintain social distancing, only one cushion has been placed in each of the box seats designed for four people.

Fans were screened before entering and anyone with a temperature of 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher was denied entry.

They also had to wear masks, sanitise their hands, maintain a distance from others and refrain from touching wrestlers or approaching them for autographs.

In April, a sumo wrestler died from Covid-19 while several other fighters and officials have also tested positive.

The sport was last held in front of spectators in January, when Japan saw its first cases of the coronavirus.

The tournament was initially supposed to be held in Nagoya but was moved to Tokyo to help limit any spread of the coronavirus.

The sport's governing body has also allowed wrestlers ranked below the Ozeki champion level to use cars for this tournament and they were seen arriving in taxis and other vehicles to the arena.

The referees for the tournament will also not be seated close to the ring as previously practised to prevent any infections.

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