Boxing: Koshimoto in dreamland after WBC win
January 30, 2006Newly-crowned champion Takashi Koshimoto said Monday he exceeded his own expectations by beating champion Chi In Jin of South Korea to capture the WBC featherweight title. The 35-year-old Koshimoto became the oldest Japanese boxer to claim a title after judges rendered a 2-1 decision in favor of the Fukuoka native in the 12-rounder at Fukuoka Kyuden Memorial Gymnasium on Sunday.
Sumo: Kitanoumi reelected as JSA chairman
January 30, 2006Former yokozuna Kitanoumi will serve a third term as Japan Sumo Association (JSA) chairman after he was reelected after a unanimous vote by the JSA's executive committee on Monday. ''I feel a sense of renewal. I have always said improving sumo on the dohyo (ring) is the most important thing and will keep the interests of the fans at heart,'' said Kitanoumi, who took over as chairman in 2002.
FOCUS: Blogs by Olympics participants to be banned
January 30, 2006The Japanese Olympic Committee is telling athletes competing at the Turin Winter Olympic Games not to open web logs because the Olympic Charter bans athletes' journalist activities when the games are on, and violators will be disqualified. After Kentaro Minagawa (Albirex Niigata) finished fourth in the Men's World Cup Slalom in Wengen, Switzerland, on Jan. 15, he updated his blog the next day.
Freestyle skiing: Mizuno, Hemmi win national aerial titles
January 30, 2006Ken Mizuno and Kayo Hemmi, who will both represent Japan at next month's Winter Olympic Games in Turin, won aerial titles at the national freestyle skiing championships. Mizuno earned 172.60 points to edged Shiro Nishikawa for his third national title and first in two years, while Hemmi claimed the women's title for the third straight year with 167.01.