Sumo wrestler Takayasu is pictured on July 13, 2021, at Dolphins Arena in Nagoya. (Mainichi)

       TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Former ozeki Takayasu will miss the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament starting Sunday after four people at his Tagonoura stable have tested positive for the coronavirus, the Japan Sumo Association announced Tuesday.

       The four infected included the stablemaster, sumo elder Tagonoura and two low-ranked wrestlers.

       The 31-year-old Takayasu, who was to compete in the 15-day grand tournament at Tokyo's Ryogoku Kokugikan as a No. 7 maegashira wrestler in the elite makuuchi division, was one of 14 individuals who may have been in close contact with those infected.

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