Chiyo nem akar visszavonulni.

Chiyotaikai said Friday he plans to continue his sumo career even if he is demoted for failing to post a majority of wins needed to maintain his ozeki rank at the ongoing Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. Chiyotaikai, who entered the 15-day meet with his ozeki status on the line for a record 13th time and sits on a precipice after suffering seven defeats, told reporters after a training session the same day he has no intention of quitting.

‘‘I’m well aware I could be demoted to (the third-highest rank) sekiwake and I will wrestle until the final day of the meet with that thought in mind,’’ Chiyotaikai said. ‘‘If there’s any chance to regain my ozeki rank by winning 10 bouts at the Nagoya meet (in July), I’d like to think about it.’’ The 33-year-old Kokonoe stable wrestler has held sumo’s second-highest rank longer than any other wrestler—62 tournaments—but is suffering from numerous injuries and ailments, including diabetes.