Japan’s sumo association came under fire for sexism again on Thursday after requesting girls be prevented from participating in events showcasing the traditional sport.
Sumo has been in the headlines in recent weeks after women providing medical assistance were asked to leave a sumo ring, and a female politician was barred from giving a speech from the ring.In the past, girls and boys have both been allowed to get in the ring and grapple with the sport’s famously hefty stars at the outreach events.But an official told AFP that the Japan Sumo Association last week requested girls be barred from participating in a programme for children in Shizuoka prefecture, part of an event designed to showcase the sport to local fans.
