Former sumo grand champion Taiho dies at 72

  • Posted: Saturday, January 19, 2013 11:25 p.m.

TOKYO (AP) — Former sumo grand champion Taiho, whose 32 championships are the most in the history of Japan’s ancient sport, has died at age 72.

Taiho, who real name was Koki Naya, died of heart disease Saturday afternoon at a Tokyo hospital, the Japan Sumo Association announced.

Taiho won 32 Emperor’s Cups in a sumo career that started in 1956 and lasted until 1971.

Chiyonofuji, who retired in 1991, has the second most championships with 31. Mongolian Hakuho leads all current wrestlers with 23 Emperor’s Cups.

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