Sumo world gets 1st Arab wrestler

[AsahinaKimi]

John Gunning / Special to The Daily Yomiuri

Sumo is set for its own "Arab Spring" next March, when Egyptian Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan takes to the dohyo in Osaka.

Shaalan, who has been given the fighting name Sunaarashi (sandstorm), joined the Otake stable in Tokyo on Tuesday morning, three years after beginning his quest to join professional sumo.

"When my foot touched the dohyo for the first time in Japan I felt power surge up through me. I thought to myself, 'I'm connected to this,'" a clearly elated Shaalan told The Daily Yomiuri moments after being accepted by stablemaster Otake.

Although he will be the first African or Arab to enter Japan's national sport, Shaalan said that doesn't bring any added pressure.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/sports/T110906005173.htm