Garuda Indonesia Colours Magazine October 2013 | Page 44

42 Explore | What’s On Explore | What’s On INDONESIA INDONESIA SPORT SPORT Both Eastern and Western sumo wrestlers participated in South East Asia’s first sumo tournament, which lasted two days and attracted over 14,000 visitors. Among the cheering crowds, the event was graced by the presence of special guests: Indonesia’s Vice President Boediono, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Katori Masaru, Liberal Democratic Party Vice President Masahiko Komura and Youth and Sports Minister Roy Suryo. SOUTH EAST ASIA’S FIRST SUMO TOURNAMENT On August 22, 2013, Hakuhō Shō, together with more than 40 other sumo wrestlers, flew from Tokyo to Jakarta aboard Garuda Indonesia flight GA 885 to participate in the first sumo tournament to be held in South East Asia – at Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia, sponsored by Garuda Indonesia from August 24 to 25. Ozeki Kisenosato was the first-day champion and Yokozuna Harumafuji was the second-day champion as well as grand champion of the tournament. Hakuhō, a Yokozuna-level wrestler (the highest rank in sumo), and the record holder for most wins, said he felt a funny sense of karma flying with Garuda Indonesia since his shikona (a sumo wrestler’s ring name), Hakuhō, means ‘big white bird’. Garuda Indonesia presented executive class tickets to Bali to each winner each day, while Vice President Boediono awarded the first-day champion with a box of the world’s most expensive coffee, kopi luwak, which is farmed in Indonesia. He was one of the few wrestlers lucky enough to experience Garuda Indonesia’s new First Class service. “I was impressed with the crew and service. Everyone was so very warm and kind,” said Hakuhō. “I could relax just like I would at home. And the full flatbed was very comfortable, even for someone my size!” Having never tried Indonesian food, Hakuhō decided to try the Indonesian food available on the plane, prepared by the Chef on Board service. “It was simply delicious and I hope to try more of it when I come back to Indonesia,” said Hakuhō, “This was my first visit to this rapidly developing country, and next time I’d like to visit Bali.” But most of all Hakuhō was excited to bring sumo to Indonesia in celebration of 55 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan. Over 40 Eastern and Western sumo wrestlers participated in the first sumo tournament in South East Asia. EVP Services of Garuda Indonesia, Faik Fahmi, awards Kisenosato with a complimentary Executive Class ticket to Bali. Hakuhō Shō enjoys Garuda Indonesia’s First Class cabin. Born Mönkhbatyn Davaajargal in Mongolia, Hakuhō first came to Japan in the autumn of 2000, at the age of 16. He recalls being fascinated at seeing the ocean from the window of the plane, since he grew up in a prairie village. Wrestling is in Hakuhō’s blood. His father, Jigjidiin Mönkhbat, was a Mongolian wrester and silver medallist in freestyle wrestling at the 1968 Summer Olympics. Naturally, as an adolescent, Hakuhō began to explore the traditions of the sumo world. He made his professional debut at the Honbasho tournament in 2001, and steadily moved up the ranks as his weight increased. After 12 years of training and hundreds of bouts, he earned the title of Yokozuna (grand champion) of the Eastern conference. 5 Senses – Sight FUKUOKA SUMO TOURNAMENT If you missed out on this tournament, catch the Fukuoka Sumo Tournament from November 10 to 24 at the Fukuoka International Centre. www.marinemesse.or.jp Jika Anda terlewatkan turnamen ini, Anda masih bisa menghadiri Fukuoka Sumo Tournament yang akan berlangsung 10-24 November 2013 di Fukuoka International Center, Jepang. JAKARTA TO TOKYO Flight Time 7 hrs Frequency 7 flights a week Tokyo • Pada 20 Agustus 2013, Hakuho Sho bersama dengan lebih dari 40 pesumo lainnya terbang dari Tokyo menuju Jakarta dengan pesawat Garuda Indonesia untuk ikut serta dalam turnamen sumo pertama yang diadakan di Asia Tenggara – di Istora Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia. Kegiatan ini disponsori oleh Garuda Indonesia dari 24 -25 Agustus 2013. Hakuho, seorang pesumo yang terdaftar di peringkat Yokuzuna (peringkat tertinggi dalam sumo) serta pemegang rekor juara bertahan, mengatakan bahwa dia menemukan sebuah kebetulan yang membuatnya tersenyum saat terbang bersama Garuda Indonesia, karena nama shikona-nya (nama julukan bagi seorang pesumo) yaitu Hakuho, juga memiliki arti burung putih besar. Hakuho adalah satu dari sedikit pesumo yang cukup beruntung merasakan layanan First Class Garuda Indonesia. “Saya terkesan dengan awak kabin dan pelayanannya. Semua oran rF