Photo/Illutration Yokozuna Hakuho has pulled out of the upcoming Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, citing an injury. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

For the first time in 26 years, no yokozuna will be entering the dohyo from day one, as both Hakuho and Kakuryu have pulled out of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, which begins on Sept. 13 in Tokyo.

Citing injuries, Hakuho, 35, of the Miyagino stable, and Kakuryu, 35, of the Michinoku stable, registered their withdrawals with the Japan Sumo Association by Sept. 11.

The last time a grand sumo tournament was contested without a yokozuna from day one was the autumn tournament in 1994, when Akebono withdrew.

Hakuho has been plagued with recurring injuries in both knees and other parts of the body. He also withdrew from the previous July tournament toward the end.

Hakuho, the all-time tournament wins leader with 44, has withdrawn during or did not compete in four of the six tournaments since last year's autumn basho.

Kakuryu pulled out during the previous tournament due to a right elbow injury, which has continued to hamper him.

"I couldn't train my body enough," Kakuryu said on Sept. 9. In five of the last six tournaments, the yokozuna has either not participated in or has been forced to withdraw during the competition.

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