Prudential Center—–In front of a sold-out crowd of 5,142 spectators at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, Oosuna Arashi, a 6-foot-2, 355-pound sumo wrestler from Clifton, emerged victorious against Soslan Gagloev from Russia. After enduring tiebreakers and challenges Arashi claimed the top spot in the World Championship Sumo’s four-round tournament.
The International Sumo League (ISL) showcased the 2024 World Championship Sumo live at the Prudential Center on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at 7 PM. Sumo tournaments typically span 15 days, starting and ending on Sundays, following a McMahon system format.
Shalan, once dubbed the “Great Sandstorm,” now relished quieter moments with his family, his status as a sumo wrestler transitioning to that of a husband and father from Clifton. With his wife, Alaa Okasha, and their three young sons, Shalan celebrated his first place finish in the ISL’s 2024 inaugural events.
The ISL’s yearlong series resumed local competitions at White Eagle Hall on Feb. 8, with events scheduled, including this one on Feb. 18 at the Rock, and another at the Theater at Madison Square Garden on April 13.
While sumo wrestling is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition, the ISL’s events, termed “World Championship Sumo,” draw participants from various nations, including Russia, Egypt, Brazil, and the United States. Despite differing venues and mats, the essence of sumo remains consistent: wrestlers engage in fierce bouts, aiming to force opponents out of the ring or off balance.
With the ISL’s series, wrestlers accumulate points across events, ultimately vying for the title of series champion.
“We’re representing a new sumo, in a new kimono, a new galabia, as we say in Egypt,” Shalan said. “Sumo, in the U.S., it will be like MMA. They have hockey, American football, MMA. From now on, there will be a new option. Everybody will try to find a ticket to watch the real sumo fights. It will be around them everywhere.”
