The Rustavi Ensemble of Georgia recently performed at the retirement ceremony of Georgian sumo wrestler Levan Gorgadze, known in the sports community as Tochinoshin. The event was held in Tokyo, Japan.
The ensemble’s performance was Supported by the Ministry of Culture of Georgia. Moreover, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Georgia, the State Academic Ensemble of Georgian Folk Song and Dance performers of “Rustav” presented a cultural program.
It is to be specifically mentioned that in the evening the First Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports of Georgia Ioseb Bagaturia, Georgian Emergency and Plenipotentiary Ambassador to Japan Teimuraz Lezhava, foreign diplomats, guests of honour, Levan Gorgadze’s family members and representatives of the sports field were present who all congratulated the sumo wrestler for his successful career on the occassion.
On the occasion the first deputy minister of sport Joseph Bagaturia addressed the attending community. He spoke about Tochinoshin’s brilliant career and thanked him for representing Georgia with dignity in Japan and wished him success.
Ensemble “Rustavma” earned the society’s special appreciation at the event dedicated to the end of Levan Gorgadze’s (Tochinoshin) pfofessional career.
It is to be added that the retirement ceremony is also known as dampatsu-shiki in the Japanese language. This is performed when any sumo wrestler decides to exit from the active game. It is a hair-cutting ceremony for the player who retired from the game.
The Georgian Sumo player Tochinoshin was active in sumo wrestling for 17 years and also won five titles in his name.Georgian Ambassador to Japan, Teimuraz Lezhava attended the ceremony dedicated to the career of Tochinoshin which spanned 17 years and included five – three Juryo Division Championships and two Makushita Division titles.
The ambassador also stated that Tochinoshin’s career is an example of the undefeatable spirit. He said that he is a source of inspiration for all of us and our young generation who want to make a career in sports.The Ensemble performed examples of Georgian versatility and distinctive Georgian dances.
