Grand Sumo Tournament Set for Paris in June 2026

The Japan Sumo Association has announced that Paris will host a grand sumo tournament on June 13 and 14, 2026, marking the first event of its kind in the city in over 30 years. This two-day event will feature top division wrestlers, with a playoff planned for the final day if necessary. Organizers aim to provide an authentic sumo experience, celebrating Japan's traditional culture and rituals, and are excited to reconnect with the French audience, which has a historical appreciation for the sport. The last sumo tournaments in Paris were held in 1986 and 1995, and this upcoming event is part of a broader initiative to expand the sport's international presence. Promoters are keen to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional sumo tournament, with cultural elements that resonate with the French public. Hakkaku, head of the Japan Sumo Association, expressed gratitude for the enduring relationship between sumo and France, emphasizing the importance of showcasing this ancient sport globally.