Former Sumo wrestler Harumafuji, who retired recently after assaulting a junior wrestler, was on Thursday fined 500,000 yen ($4,440) on Thursday but avoided facing a trial.
The Mongolian former wrestler was referred to the prosecution on December 11 and faced a "summary indictment", a judicial process in Japan where the accused avoids a trial, normally used for minor crimes where fines are considered sufficient, reports Efe news.
A court in Tottori, the eastern city where the incident took place, fined the 33-year-old for attacking his compatriot Takanoiwa, 27, with his fists and a Karaoke machine remote control in October.
Takanoiwa was hospitalised for four days with concussion and a skull fracture as a result of the assault and was also forced to withdraw from the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament.
It was weeks before the incident became public and turned into a scandal in Japan, where Sumo wrestlers are considered idols and expected to behave in an exemplary manner.
The sport's reputation has taken a hit recently with revelations concerning match-fixing, violence and drugs.
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On November 29, Harumafuji announced his retirement after 17 years in the ring.
The Mongolian made his debut in 2001 and won nine tournaments until his retirement, becoming the "yokozuna" - grand champion - in 2012, only the fifth non-Japanese wrestler to achieve the feat.
Sumo wrestling mixes sports with Shinto religious rituals, of which the fighters are seen as custodians, having to adhere to strict discipline and follow a code of conduct even outside the ring.
--IANS
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