 Wrestler awarded horses and sheep to mark victory
"Yokozuna" Hakuho was given more than 100 horses and sheep in his native Mongolia to celebrate his latest major sumo tournament victory. The 22-year-old was feted by 1,000 people from his father's home village where he was presented with the livestock as a gift, Japanese newspapers reported on Thursday.
Hakuho, whose real name is Munkhbat Davaajargal, won his fourth major title at the weekend, his first since being promoted to sumo's highest rank of yokozuna four months ago.
"It gives me great power to know that everyone back in Mongolia is watching me on TV," he was quoted in Japan's Nikkan Sports. "It makes me want to keep improving my sumo."
His father, Jigjid Munkhbat, is also a famous figure in Mongolia after winning a silver medal in freestyle wrestling at the 1968 Olympics. Hakuho joined troubled compatriot Asashoryu at the summit of Japan's ancient sport after winning his second straight Emperor's Cup in May.
Asashoryu was promoted in January 2003 but recently returned to Mongolia suffering from clinical depression after being banned for playing soccer while supposedly injured.
Firebrand champion Asashoryu, who has had frequent run-ins with sumo authorities, is currently serving a suspension for his latest brush with controversy.
Sumo has been without a Japanese yokozuna since Takanohana retired in 2003. | 
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