Marijuana Becomes New Steroid for Sumo Wrestlers
April 28th, 2009 by Russ
In a sport that values the munchies, weed is considered a dangerous game-changer. According to Tokyo’s Associated Press, the Japan Sumo Association has begun a policy of random drug testing of its wrestlers in the wake of a national series of high profile weed-related scandals.
Last month, 25-year old sumo wrestler Wakakirin was arrested in Roppongi, Tokyo for alleged marijuana possession. The JSA acted quickly to expel Wakakirin from the league, ostensibly ending his career as a professional sumo.
Unlike frivolous weed scandals involving Olympic snowboarders and NBA athletes, marijuana (as an appetite stimulant) could seriously be considered a performance-enhancing drug for the rotund wrestlers. The primary training regimen of sumo combatants involves chugging large quantities of a pork-based stew called ‘chankonabe.’ Wrestlers who can pack in the most ‘chanko,’ gain the most weight, and are more likely to qualify for the prestigious heavyweight division.
Sumo Wrestler Gone Down the Pot
November 3rd, 2008 by Perry
A recent debate rocked the considerable girth of the sumo world, when Gagloev Soslan Aleksandrovich, who wrestles under the name “Wakanoho,” was kicked out of the sumo world for the “major illegal act” of marijuana possession.
Maybe, this is one of the few scenarios where weed could’ve been viewed as a performance-enhancer, much like amphetamine pills are banned for those who are trying to shed pounds before a fight. But, it probably has more to do with the negative stigma associated with weed. Total guess though.
