Professional sumo traditionally forbids women from competition and ceremonies. Women are not allowed to enter or touch the sumo wrestling ring (dohyō). [1] Despite this, women sumo …

While women remain excluded from professional sumo, more than 600 now compete at the amateur level. The Associated Press documented some of them in training, including wrestlers …

Japan’s powerful Sumo Association stands opposed to women being recognized as professional athletes, leaving champions like Sakura to chart their own path to success, against all odds. In …

Jul 29, 2025 · Without doubt the greatest female sumo of all time, the Russian sumo giant Anna Zhigalova, now Poliakova, was adept at using her height and power to throw opponents out of …

Jun 3, 2025 · Women’s sumo survived in the provinces as a sport and also as a ritual in rain-making ceremonies and at wedding celebrations. Today there are women’s amateur clubs and …

Jan 12, 2024 · International amateur competitions involving women rikishi are growing in popularity. We take a look at four rising stars in the world of women’s sumō.

Feb 13, 2024 · Despite numerous obstacles, women's sumo wrestling is alive and well in Japan and around the world. Japan's top professional sumo competition doesn't allow women to …

Female sumo wrestlers are now making a name for themselves in the sport, challenging stereotypes and redefining what it means to be a sumo wrestler. Female sumo wrestlers often …

Sep 11, 2025 · While professional sumo — the sumo that the world is used to seeing — remains closed to women, a small but growing group of more than 600 female wrestlers is making …

Aug 24, 2025 · While this custom is deeply rooted in Shinto beliefs of purity, the existence of female wrestlers and growing calls for equality are challenging this practice and sparking new …