By Alastair Himmer

TOKYO (Reuters) - Controversial sumo champion Asashoryu is in hot water again after skipping training because he did not want to risk catching the H1N1 flu on a bus.

The Mongolian 'yokozuna' told Monday's Japanese media he would take the matter up with the wrestlers' union after being reprimanded for a morning no-show at the weekend.

"(The infected wrestlers) were on the same bus, which was a reason," said Asashoryu, adding that the Japan Sumo Association (JSA) had done little to protect wrestlers from infection.

"What they say and what they do are two different things. I want them to think hard to come up with a way to protect us."

Around 30 wrestlers and sumo officials have caught the flu over the past 10 days. Wrestlers and sumo fans have been wearing flu masks as a precaution against the outbreak.

"Our livelihoods are at stake here," fumed the 28-year-old Asashoryu. "I'll be taking it up with the union."

The sport's governing body said they were monitoring the situation closely.

"We have instructed wrestlers to gargle, wash their hands thoroughly and wear masks," the JSA told Reuters. "We don't plan any further steps unless there are fresh developments."

Asashoryu was criticized for skipping morning training ahead of a major tournament in Nagoya recently amid the break-up of his marriage.

The 23-times Emperor's Cup winner insisted an elbow injury made it hard for him to practice on the current provincial sumo tour of Japan.

In 2007, Asashoryu was banned after being caught playing soccer in Mongolia, having forged a doctor's note for an apparent back injury.

His suspension triggered a bout of clinical depression, leading Asashoryu to seek solace at a luxury spa resort in his native country.

(Editing by N.Ananthanarayanan and Peter Rutherford)