Tokyo (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Some new rules introduced by the Japanese Sumo Association oblige players to have no beard and mustache during competitions. During the championships, several players tend to grow a beard or mustache because they believe that this brings them luck. But the Association has decided to override this superstition, demanding "care for their personal hygiene" from the players and a respect for "the sumo ring, which is sacred".
Together with beard and mustache, the wrestlers were forbidden to have long nails and tattoos.
Sumo wrestling has been practised for 2 thousand years. In recent times its image has been tarnished by some scandals linked to rigged games, or drug use, or bullying outside the ring.
