Grimsby’s prestigious UK sumo champion, Will Bowles, is hailing the rising attention being garnered by this ancient sport across Britain. Bowles, a proud member of the Doncaster Sumo Club, notes an uptick in interest, spurred on by the Grand Sumo Tournament’s scheduled stop in London. This is a rare opportunity for sumo wrestling enthusiasts to see world-class competitors on home ground. With Bowles’ guidance, various sumo clubs in the Northern part of England, including potential champions from Lincolnshire, are contributing to this renewed appeal.
Starting his career in sumo wrestling after being inspired by the famed Chiyonofuji Mitsugu, Bowles has seen great success. His journey began at the Doncaster club, established by Adam Lloyd in 2012, where he honed his skills culminating in securing the national open weight champion title. As sumo’s popularity continues to grow, Bowles promotes the sport amongst the residents of Lincolnshire, emphasising its accessibility and the distinctive challenge it promises.
The decision by the Japan Sumo Association to hold the highly-anticipated Grand Sumo Tournament at the iconic Royal Albert Hall is seen by Bowles as a momentous occasion. He underlines the unique chance this offers local fans to experience the prowess of some of the world’s finest wrestlers, including the highly respected yokozuna. He hopes this landmark event may motivate a fresh wave of sumo wrestlers from Lincolnshire and nearby counties.
Originally reported by www.bbc.com, this story has been revised for The Lincoln Post.
