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 met Friday to decide the opening bouts for the 15-day tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan arena in Tokyo.

Terunofuji, sumo's only current grand champion, sat out the past two tournaments while dealing with health issues including pain in both knees and diabetes.

The Mongolian-born yokozuna won his 10th Emperor's Cup at the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament in July.

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.