The top Bulgarian sumo wrestler, Kaloyan Mahlyanov, aka Kotooshu was awarded Tuesday night Bulgaria’s highest order.

Kotooshu received the Stara Planina I medal from President Georgi Parvanov at a special ceremony, in which he was accompanied by his Japanese fiancГ©e.

“I want to show my fiancГ©e the beauty of Bulgaria, everything about Bulgaria. I am going to place this order next to the Emperor’s Cup”, Kotooshu said during the ceremony.

Mahlyanov currently holds the second highest title in sumo – ozeki. He arrived from Japan with his fiancГ©e to spend here a short 6-day vacation, in addition to receiving the order from President Parvanov.

“I am really glad that I am appreciated in Bulgaria. Today’s award is especially important for me, it makes me especially proud”, Kotooshu said.