- Title: Former sumo wrestler takes seat as new MP in Estonian parliament
- Date: 4th April 2019
- Summary: LAHORE, PAKISTAN (APRIL 2, 2019) (REUTERS) PROTESTER CHANTING (Urdu): "PRICE HIKE, NOT ACCEPTABLE!" RESIDENTS PROTESTING AGAINST INFLATION, CHANTING (Urdu): "RULERS, PRICE HIKE NOT ACCEPTABLE!" PLACARD READING (Urdu): "OH, OH! INFLATION HAS KILLED US!" KARACHI, PAKISTAN (APRIL 2, 2019) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF CUSTOMERS SPEAKING TO FOOD SELLERS IN MARKET SACKS OF LENTILS (SOUN
- Embargoed: 18th April 2019 14:03
- Keywords: Estonian sumo wrestler Kaido Hoovelson Baruto Estonian parliament sumo wrestling European sumo wrestlers
- Location: TALLINN, ESTONIA / TOKYO, JAPAN
- City: TALLINN, ESTONIA / TOKYO, JAPAN
- Country: Estonia
- Topics: Government/Politics,Editors' Choice
- Reuters ID: LVA003A91PUMF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: As the newly elected Estonian Parliament convened for its first session on Thursday (April 4), one member was ready for battle.
Former professional sumo wrestler Kaido Hoovelson has changed his battle ground from the wrestling ring to the political arena, after ten years of competing in the sport.
Hoovelson, also known as his sumo wrestling name, Baruto Kaito - taken from the Japanese word for the Baltic Sea, became involved in the sport in 2004, achieving the second-highest rank known as 'ozeki' before retiring in 2013.
Having also worked as a TV host in Japan, Hoovelson said that he is not short of life experience, and his expertise on Japan would be an asset for his new role.
Hoovelson, a member of the Centre Party, added that there was a sure element of competition involved in politics, but he hoped that reasonable decisions which would benefit the country would be made.
Centre's leader, outgoing Prime Minister Juri Ratas, has been met with protests over his ongoing talks with the nationalist, anti-immigrant Conservative People's Party of Estonia (EKRE) following parliamentary elections on March 3.
Ratas, leader of the traditionally Moscow-leaning Centre party, had earlier ruled out governing with EKRE but reversed course a week after elections in which Centre lost to the centre-right Reform Party.
Despite the potential challenges ahead, Hoovelson is not afraid of uncomfortable situations.
At 198 cm tall (6 ft. 4 inches) the new MP said that swapping his mawashi (a loincloth worn by sumo wrestlers) for a suit was not a very comfortable experience.
However he remained optimistic adding, "you have to get used to things - that's the human way."
(Production: Janis Laizans, Louisa Naks) - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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