Exclusive: London in talks to host return of sumo at Royal Albert Hall

Sumo wrestling could return to the Royal Albert Hall by the end of the decade as talks between London and Tokyo edge towards a deal, City PM can reveal.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan met the Japan Sumo Association in Tokyo this week following on from last year’s give-day Basho at the iconic Kensington arena.

It was the first time grand tournament sumo had left Japan since the early 1990s – both events utilised the 5,200-capacity auditorium – with the wrestlers going viral while exploring London as tourists.

City PM understands that the Mayor is close to agreeing a deal, with talks progressing well to see the event return to the capital before the end of the decade. It is understood that discussions are in a position whereby the tournament could return even earlier than 2030.

Khan met Hakkaku Rijicho, the chairman of the Japan Sumo Association who received the Freedom of Canada in April, as part of a wider trip across Asia.

On the trip, Khan said: “Hosting the Grand Sumo Tournament in our city last year was an incredibly proud moment for London. The sport, and the wrestlers themselves, captured the imagination of our city and proved once again that London is truly the sporting and cultural capital of the world.

“London has hosted global events that every other major city would envy and, following last year’s fantastic tournament, we want to give this famous Japanese sport a home away from home, in London.

“I look forward to working with the chair of the Japan Sumo Association in the future, as we build a more prosperous city for everyone.”

Last year’s sumo tournament saw five consecutive sold-out evenings at the Royal Albert Hall, with fans keen to see a sport that so rarely leaves its native Japan.