Sumo wrestler Ichinojo is pictured on Jan. 8, 2020, in Tokyo's Koto Ward. (Mainichi)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Sumo wrestler Ichinojo, who holds the sport's fourth-highest rank of komusubi, has given up his Mongolian nationality and become a Japanese citizen, an official government publication showed Wednesday.

       By obtaining Japanese citizenship, the giant 28-year-old grappler, who stands 190 centimeters and weighs 206 kilograms, can become a stablemaster after retirement.

       Ichinojo made his professional sumo debut in 2014 after moving to Japan and entering the famed sumo club at Tottori Johoku High School.

       Joining the Minato stable, he quickly rose through the ranks and debuted in the top makuuchi division just four tournaments after turning professional.

       He posted a winning 8-7 record at the just-concluded Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament, where he returned to "sanyaku", the three ranks below yokozuna, for the first time in 13 meets.

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