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Igor KurennoiMultiple European Champion and World Sumo Championship medalist
Country:
 Russia |
Content:
- Igor Kurennoy: A Multiple European Champion in the Mystery of Sumo
- European Dominance and the Roots of Success
- Personal Ambitions and Unfulfilled Dreams
- From Sambo to Sumo: An Unexpected Journey
- Popularizing Sumo in Russia
- Understanding the Rules and Connecting to Japan
- Comparing Japanese and European Sumo
- The Rise of Women's Sumo
Igor Kurennoy: A Multiple European Champion in the Mystery of Sumo
The Rise of Russian SumoSumo, the enigmatic sport often seen as a battle between overweight individuals, has gained immense popularity in Russia in recent decades. While the Boradzov brothers have made waves in professional sumo in Japan, it's the remarkable achievements of Russian sumo wrestlers in Europe and worldwide that often go unnoticed.
At the recently concluded European Championships in Germany, Russian wrestlers once again emerged victorious, capturing an impressive medal haul. Igor Kurennoy, a multiple European champion and medalist at world championships, shares his insights into the extraordinary world of Russian sumo.
European Dominance and the Roots of Success
"Currently," says Kurennoy, "Russian wrestlers are undoubtedly the strongest in Europe. But it wasn't always like this."
Russian sumo gained momentum in the late 1990s, but it took time to compete with German wrestlers who dominated the international arena. However, the introduction of Russian wrestlers with a strong foundation in wrestling disciplines such as sambo, judo, and Greco-Roman wrestling turned the tide.
"These wrestlers brought great skill and technique to sumo," explains Kurennoy. "It took a few years to master the nuances, but once we did, our success was unstoppable."
Personal Ambitions and Unfulfilled Dreams
Despite his numerous accolades, Kurennoy continues to compete, driven by a burning desire to conquer the world championship in sumo.
"I've come close in the past, finishing third twice in a row against a formidable Brazilian opponent," he says. "I'd love to erase that shortcoming and become a world champion in both sambo and sumo."
From Sambo to Sumo: An Unexpected Journey
Kurennoy's entry into sumo was somewhat fortuitous. In 1998, he was preparing for the Russian Sambo Championships when he encountered Boris Antonov, the head of the newly formed Russian Sumo Federation.
Antonov persuaded Kurennoy to join the sumo team for the upcoming European Championships, despite his initial reluctance. "I had never considered sumo before," admits Kurennoy. "But after that first competition, I was hooked."
Popularizing Sumo in Russia
Kurennoy believes that strategic marketing can enhance the popularity of sumo in Russia. "We are organizing tournaments with elements of entertainment," he says. "By creating a festive atmosphere, we aim to engage both competitors and spectators."
Financial incentives and a captivating ambiance have proven effective in attracting young wrestlers to sumo. "We provide prize money and use music and lighting to create a truly immersive experience," says Kurennoy.
Understanding the Rules and Connecting to Japan
Kurennoy emphasizes the simplicity of sumo rules, making it accessible to spectators. He also credits Sergey Praotcev, a leading Russian japanologist, for fostering a deep connection to the sport's origins in Japan.
"Sergey shares his knowledge of sumo, provides commentary during tournaments, and gives us access to recordings of Japanese competitions," says Kurennoy. "This helps us stay connected to the birthplace of sumo."
Comparing Japanese and European Sumo
"When it comes to technique and execution," explains Kurennoy, "there's little difference between Japanese and European sumo. However, the Japanese approach to presentation and traditions is distinct."
While the level of professional sumo wrestlers in Japan may surpass that of European wrestlers, Kurennoy notes that the gap is not significant. He keeps a close watch on the progress of the Boradzov brothers in Japan, who he believes have the potential to excel on the global stage.
The Rise of Women's Sumo
Female sumo, which involves competitions between women of substantial stature, has gained popularity worldwide. While Kurennoy initially had reservations, he now embraces the inclusivity of women's sumo.
"It's an opportunity for women of different body types to engage in a competitive sport, receive recognition, and achieve their goals," he says. "I fully support their involvement in sumo."
