Sumo wrestlers undergo “random” drug tests
The Japan Sumo Association conducted its first “random drug tests” on wrestlers yesterday:
The tests were held on the same day Yokohama District Court’s Kawasaki branch sentenced former sumo wrestler Wakakirin to 10 months in prison, suspended for three years, for possessing marijuana.
“The tests were carried out in line with the rules and everything was explained properly,” said Asashoryu. “Having today’s test was 100 percent correct. Now we just have to pray that everyone’s results come back negative.”
Mitsubishi Chemical Medience Corp., Japan’s only institution certified by the World Anti-Doping Agency undertook the examinations, the results of which are expected to be disclosed in two or three weeks.
Sumo wrestlers leaving the testing site admitted to the press that they had been told about the tests two days ago. Not all of the sumo stables were tested today, so those going in for tests tomorrow or the day after that will have had even more advanced notice. So much for that whole “random testing” claim.
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