Hakuho has won a record 42 grand sumo tournaments.

In the past two years, he has said repeatedly that after his retirement he hopes to become a stablemaster with the Japan Sumo Association and coach younger wrestlers. For that purpose, he must become a naturalized Japanese citizen.

Informed sources say Hakuho submitted documents to the Mongolian government this month.

Other former top sumo wrestlers who obtained Japanese citizenship and became stablemasters include former yokozuna Musashimaru, an American from Hawaii, and former sekiwake Kyokutenho, who is also Mongolian.

Hakuho told reporters on Wednesday it's too early to say anything, adding that he is simply waiting for the paperwork to be completed.