A Bulgarian sumo wrestler who made history as the first European to compete in Japan's top professional sumo division, achieving a remarkable career in a traditionally Japanese sport.
Kotosh Katsunori, also known as Kaloyan Stefanov Mahlyanov, is a Bulgarian-Japanese former sumo wrestler who made history by becoming the first European sumo wrestler to win an Emperor's Cup. Born on February 19, 1983, Kotosh's journey to the top of the sumo world was marked by dedication, perseverance, and a passion for the sport.
Kotosh was born in Dzhulunitsa, Veliko Tarnovo Province, Bulgaria, to a family with a strong wrestling tradition. His father, a Greco-Roman wrestling coach, introduced him to the sport at a young age, and Kotosh quickly showed a natural talent for it. By the age of 14, he had already won a European championship in Greco-Roman wrestling.
However, as Kotosh's weight increased beyond the 120 kg upper limit for Greco-Roman wrestling, he was forced to switch to sumo. This change proved to be a blessing in disguise, as it led him to Japan and the world of professional sumo wrestling.
Kotosh made his professional sumo debut in November 2002, starting in the lowest-ranked jonokuchi division. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning the shikona (sumo name) Kotosh, derived from his place of origin (koto) and the character sh, meaning Europe.
In 2005, Kotosh reached the rank of zeki, the second-highest level in the sumo ranking system, behind only yokozuna. This achievement cemented his position as one of the top sumo wrestlers in the world.
On May 24, 2008, Kotosh made history by becoming the first European sumo wrestler to win an Emperor's Cup. This momentous occasion marked a turning point in his career, solidifying his position as a sumo legend.
During his career, Kotosh held the rank of zeki for 47 consecutive tournaments, making him one of the longest-serving zeki in sumo history.
Kotosh's impact on the world of sumo wrestling extends far beyond his impressive wins and achievements. He has inspired a new generation of sumo wrestlers and fans around the world, paving the way for others to follow in his footsteps.
In January 2014, Kotosh obtained Japanese citizenship, a requirement of becoming an elder in the Japan Sumo Association. He announced his retirement during the following tournament in March and went on to open his own training stable, Naruto, in April 2017.
Kotosh's success can be attributed to his strong work ethic, dedication, and passion for sumo wrestling. He has always emphasized the importance of respect, discipline, and hard work, both on and off the sumo mat.
"Sumo is not just a sport, it's a way of life. You must respect yourself, your opponents, and the tradition of sumo."
This philosophy has not only guided Kotosh's career but also inspired countless others to adopt a similar approach to their own lives and pursuits.
