THE BRITISH Sumo Federation championships took place at Penistone Grammar School this week.
The town of Barnsley has become a mini hub for the Japanese martial art since a club was opened almost a year ago.
Barnsley Sumo Club took four medals. There were golds for Alex Gent in the men’s lightweight and George Young in the men’s open weight, as well as his silver at heavyweight. Dan Greenwood and Richard Riggs took bronze at lightweight and heavyweight respectively. Riggs is the vice-president of the federation and the founder of Barnsley Sumo Club.
He said: “It was a showcase of the best of sumo in the UK. The standard of competition is growing exponentially with top-quality performances on display from athletes from across the country.
“I’m so proud of Barnsley Sumo Club’s athletes, not only with two national champions but also for the fighting spirit and range of techniques displayed by everyone who participated. For most it was their first ever sumo competition.
“A massive thank you to everyone involved for making these championships the biggest and best yet.
“Barnsley Sumo Club is a year old in August. If we can carry on the past ten months’ trajectory, the future of the club and sumo in Barnsley is very bright and I’m excited to see where we can take it.
“National level sumo competition will return to Barnsley in December with the second annual British Sumo Federation Inter-Club Basho where clubs from around the country will compete for the ultimate bragging rights.”
