Ulaanbaatar
Head Coach of Isegahama Stable Asahifuji Seiya Awarded the Order of the Polar Star of Mongolia
Politics
Ulaanbaatar, April 15, 2025 /MONTSAME/. President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa decreed to conferr the Order of the Polar Star of Mongolia to Asahifuji Suginomori Seiya, a former Japanese professional sumo wrestler and the Head Coach of Isegahama Stable, in recognition of his contribution to promoting sumo wrestling among Mongol children and youth, as well as his dedication to training numerous champions under the friendly relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Japan.
On April 15, 2025, Chief of Staff to the President of Mongolia Zandanshatar Gombojav conferred the Order of the Polar Star of Mongolia to Head Coach Asahifuji Suginomori Seiya.
Asahifuji Suginomori Seiya has consistently supported prominent Mongol sumo wrestlers, including the 69th Yokozuna Hakuho Davaajargal Munkhbat, the 70th Yokozuna Harumafuji Byambadorj Davaanyam, and the 73rd Yokozuna Terunofuji Gan-Erdene Gantulga.
Following the Award Ceremony, Chief of Staff to the President of Mongolia Zandanshatar met with Head Coach of Isegahama Stable Asahifuji Suginomori Seiya, the 69th Yokozuna Hakuho Davaajargal, and the 73rd Yokozuna Terunofuji Gan-Erdene. Chief of Staff Zandanshatar highlighted that professional sumo wrestling has played a pivotal role in strengthening the friendship between the peoples of Mongolia and Japan, deepening mutual understanding, and further enhancing the friendly relations between the two countries.
Chief of Staff Zandanshatar also emphasized the weighty contributions of Coach Asahifuji Seiya Sugino, who has guided generations of Mongol sumo wrestlers to success while introducing Japanese culture, traditions, and the etiquette of sumo to the children and youth of Mongolia.
Mr. Zandanshatar also noted that the State Visit of His Majesty Emperor Naruhito and Her Majesty Empress Masako of Japan to Mongolia, planned for July 2025 at the invitation of President H.E. Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, would mark a milestone in the relations between the two countries.
Asahifuji Suginomori Seiya began his sumo career in 1981 and earned the title of Yokozuna in 1990. After retiring in 1992, he served as the Head Coach of the Isegahama Stable. He has visited Mongolia several times, promoting sumo to children and young people and helping them take their first steps in the sport.
