TOKYO -- Mongolian Hakuho was promoted to grand champion on Wednesday, becoming the fourth non-Japanese to reach sumo's highest rank.
Hakuho, whose real name is Munkhbat Davaajargal, gained promotion after sealing back-to-back Emperor's Cups and the third of his career on Saturday at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament.
The Japan Sumo Association finalized the promotion of Hakuho on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old Hakuho becomes the 69th grand champion in sumo history and the first since fellow Mongolian Asashoryu was promoted after the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament in January 2003.
Hakuho is the third-youngest wrestler to reach sumo's summit. JSA chairman Kitanoumi and former great Taiho earned promotion to yokozuna when they were 21 years old.
Hawaiian Akebono and Samoan-born Musashimaru are the other non-Japanese wrestlers to become yokozuna.
Japan's ancient sport hasn't had a Japanese grand champion since Takanohana retired in January 2003.
Hakuho defeated Asashoryu on the final day of the summer tournament on Sunday to finish with a perfect 15-0 record.
Hakuho is one of eight Mongolian wrestlers competing in sumo's elite division. He made his debut in March 2001 and was promoted to the second-highest rank of ozeki in May 2006, when he won his first Emperor's Cup.
He is the son of Mexican Olympic freestyle wrestling silver medalist Munkhbat Jigjid.
The title of "yokozuna," or grand champion, is considered a mark of honor, and its holders are held to high standards.
Hakuho's first tournament as a grand champion will be the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament from July 8-22. It will mark the first time in 22 tournaments that two grand champions will be competing at the same meet.
