During his visit to Tokyo, Japan, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with professional sumo wrestler Yersin Baltagul. Born and raised in Kazakhstan, Baltagul is currently competing in Japan under the ring name Kinbōzan Haruki, the president’s press service reported.
Baltagul has represented Kazakhstan for the past ten years and has achieved notable success in the sport. He took up sumo after graduating from a university in Japan.
Tokayev said that Kazakhstanis are proud of the wrestler’s accomplishments. He also noted that during his audience with Emperor Naruhito, they discussed Baltagul’s successes, describing this as further recognition of the athlete’s achievements.
Baltagul’s ring name, Kinbōzan, is derived from Mount Kinbō in Kumamoto Prefecture near the hometown of his stablemaster.
Earlier this year, Kinbōzan Haruki won a silver medal at the Hatsu Basho 2025 (New Year’s Grand Sumo Tournament) held in Tokyo.
Additionally, ahead of his meeting with Emperor Naruhito, President Tokayev remarked that the people of Kazakhstan admire Japan’s discipline and resilience.
