Taipei, Aug. 22 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian received former top-ranking sumo wrestler yokozuna Chiyonofuji Thursday and expressed hope that Japanese sumo wrestlers will visit Taiwan to promote sports exchanges.
Chen said he was happy to meet with the popular former yokozuna again following his first meeting with Chiyonofuji five years ago, when he was serving as Taipei mayor.
The president expressed admiration for Chiyonofuji's career accomplishments, including a record 1,045 victories in 1,473 matches, and noted that if Japanese sumo wrestlers decide to visit Taiwan, he will go to the matches himself.
Chiyonofuji, who is now director of the umpires department of the Japan Sumo Association, said that he will do his best to promote a Taiwan performance tour.