Thailand to Host Triple Sumo Showdown: Three International Championships Confirmed

Picture courtesy of Amarin.

Thailand has been officially named host of three prestigious international sumo tournaments this September, marking a historic moment for the nation’s sporting calendar.

At a press conference held at the TK. Palace Hotel & Convention, Mr. Jakrapong Chaorungmethee, President of the Sumo Association of Thailand, announced that the Kingdom had been granted the honour by the International Sumo Federation (IFS) to stage three major competitions. 

These are the 26th Sumo World Championship 2025, the 19th Junior Sumo World Championships 2025 and the 15th Asian Sumo Championships 2025. All events will take place from 13–14 Septemberat Rangsit University, with more than 300 sumo wrestlers from over 40 countries expected to compete.

“This is a great opportunity for Thailand, especially following the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mr. Jakrapong. “Sumo athletes around the world are eager to come to Thailand and we are confident that our association will deliver a world-class event. This also aligns perfectly with the IFS’s mission to promote the sport of sumo across Asia.”

Supporting the announcement, Mr. Nop Imjaroon, Vice President and Head Coach of Thailand’s national sumo team, revealed that both male and female Thai athletes have been in full training for the past month in Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province.

“After this intensive training phase, the athletes will be allowed to return home briefly to focus on studies, family and work,” Mr. Nop explained. “They’ll regroup in early August for final preparations ahead of the tournaments.”

Thailand’s national team consists of 24 athletes, and despite concerns over size disadvantage compared to international competitors, Mr. Nop expressed strong optimism: “Our team is extremely dedicated and hardworking. In the lighter weight divisions, we genuinely believe we can win medals, possibly even gold.”

The triple championship event is set to be one of the largest and most diverse gatherings in international sumo history.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-02