With just a handful of days remaining before the start of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on Sunday, yokozuna Harumafuji remained unable to go all out on Tuesday due to pain in his left ankle.

The Mongolian, who ended 2013 on a high note by winning with a 14-1 record in November, trained on Tuesday at his Isegahama stable. Although he did not take part in any practice bouts, he did work on his initial charges with rank-and-file wrestler Takarafuji and his starts are gradually showing more power.

Harumafuji did not give any specific details to questions about his condition. He said when asked if he would participate on Sunday, “I don’t know yet, but I’ll do my best.”