Hibikiryu, 28, landed awkwardly during a bout in March and was later treated for a spinal injury

A Japanese sumo wrestler has died a month after suffering a head injury during a bout, as the ancient sport’s authorities come under renewed pressure to provide more urgent care to injured athletes.

Hibikiryu, a 28-year-old rikishi in one of the lower divisions, died from acute respiratory failure, the Japan Sumo Association said, despite earlier showing signs that he was recovering from his injuries.

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