TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Yokozuna Terunofuji is set to return to the ring for the first time since July against komusubi Wakatakakage when the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament opens Sunday.

The Japan Sumo Association decided the opening matchups Friday for the 15-day tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo, where the sport's only active grand champion will aim for his 11th Emperor's Cup.

With injury continuing to plague his career, Terunofuji completed just two meets in 2024, in January and July, winning both. Following his most recent triumph in Nagoya, he sat out two straight tournaments dealing with health issues including pain in both knees and diabetes.

The Mongolian-born 33-year-old trained Monday in front of the Yokozuna Deliberation Council, winning three and losing four practice bouts against ozeki Onosato after nominating the burgeoning star as his opponent.

While another incomplete showing will fuel calls for his retirement, Terunofuji was unperturbed when speaking to reporters at practice later in the week.

"If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out and I have to accept the result, no matter what," he said. "All I can do is go for it."

Ozeki Kotozakura and Hoshoryu will both be bidding for promotion to yokozuna. They can move up to the exalted rank by winning the tournament or delivering a championship-level performance in the eyes of the sumo association.

Kotozakura, who won his first top-division title in November, will face No. 1 maegashira Takanosho on the opening day, while Hoshoryu is up against another No. 1 maegashira, former ozeki Kirishima.