Sumo's next superstars? Why Mongolia is a wrestling powerhouse

    By George Ramsay, Special to CNN

    Updated 0210 GMT (1010 HKT) December 28, 2016

    Sumo wrestlers stretch during a training camp on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in July. Photographer Taylor Weidman shadowed young wrestlers before the World Sumo Championships, where they hoped to make a name for themselves and find a future with a sumo stable.
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    Sumo wrestlers stretch during a training camp on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in July. Photographer Taylor Weidman shadowed young wrestlers before the World Sumo Championships, where they hoped to make a name for themselves and find a future with a sumo stable.
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    Wrestlers hang out in their dorm after a practice session in Mongolia. Japan has traditionally dominated the sport, and it's only in the past decade that Mongolia has emerged as such a dominant force. The past four "yokozuna," sumo wrestling's highest rank, have all been from Mongolia.
    Photos:
    Wrestlers hang out in their dorm after a practice session in Mongolia. Japan has traditionally dominated the sport, and it's only in the past decade that Mongolia has emerged as such a dominant force. The past four "yokozuna," sumo wrestling's highest rank, have all been from Mongolia.
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    A wrestler cools down a teammate during training.
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    A wrestler cools down a teammate during training.
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    Wrestlers practice in their bare feet.
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    Wrestlers practice in their bare feet.
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    Size is important in sumo wrestling, but agility, speed and technique are all important as well.
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    Size is important in sumo wrestling, but agility, speed and technique are all important as well.
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    A wrestler returns to his dorm after a practice session.
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    A wrestler returns to his dorm after a practice session.
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    A wrestler tapes his hands as he prepares for practice.
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    A wrestler tapes his hands as he prepares for practice.
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    Wrestlers eat lunch together at the training camp. "Wrestlers would eat big meals with lots of mutton and rice," Weidman said. "Traditionally, I think sumo wrestlers are supposed to have two huge meals a day, followed by naps so the calories aren't burned off right away."
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    Wrestlers eat lunch together at the training camp. "Wrestlers would eat big meals with lots of mutton and rice," Weidman said. "Traditionally, I think sumo wrestlers are supposed to have two huge meals a day, followed by naps so the calories aren't burned off right away."
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    Wrestlers take a team picture at the end of a practice session.
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    Wrestlers take a team picture at the end of a practice session.
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    Sumo fans arrive at the World Sumo Championships in Ulaanbaatar.
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    Sumo fans arrive at the World Sumo Championships in Ulaanbaatar.
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    Wrestlers compete during the World Sumo Championships.
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    Wrestlers compete during the World Sumo Championships.