I would like to express my pleasure at the grand opening
of the Seventh Sumo World Championships and also welcome from
the bottom of my heart the competitors and officials from 32
countries and regions throughout the world.
Sumo respects courtesy, and through the training of mind,
technique and body, has become part of the landscape of Japan
as an unique martial art that aims toward true human form.
It is our great pleasure that sumo has grown popular
overseas. The sport known as our national sport, which is a
part of the heritage of our culture, has now been accepted as
one of the modern sports. The fact that sumo has shown
outstanding development is the source of much pride for those
of us in Japan's sporting world. We look forward to the
prosperity and further development of sumo.
We anticipate seeing participants in the championship
fully display their techniques honed in daily training and
compete fairly with all their strength. At the same time, we
hope that their efforts will contribute to the friendship and
goodwill of the participating nations.
Lastly, I would like to express my profound respect for
those who have endeavored in the opening of this event and
hope for its great success.
Hironoshin Furuhashi
President
Japanese Olympic Committee
