Terunofuji would return after a long absence during the New Year's gathering

Yokozuna Terunofuji will return to the ring for the first time since July against komusubi Wakatakakage when the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament begins on Sunday.

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

With his career still plagued by injuries, Terunofuji completed only two meets in 2024, in January and July, winning both. After his most recent victory in Nagoya, he competed in two consecutive tournaments dealing with health issues, including pain in both knees and diabetes.

Yokozuna Terunofuji receives the Emperor's Cup from Hakkaku, head of the Japan Sumo Association, after winning the 15-day Nagoya Grand Sumo tournament at the Dolphins Arena in Nagoya, central Japan on July 28, 2024. (Kyodo)

The Mongolian-born 33-year-old trained for the Yokozuna Deliberation Council on Monday, winning three and losing four exhibition fights against Ozeki Onosato after nominating the budding star as his opponent.

While another incomplete display will fuel calls for his retirement, Terunofuji was unperturbed as he spoke to reporters at training later in the week.

“If it doesn't work, it doesn't work 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 bid for promotion to yokozuna. They can advance to the higher ranks 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 will face another No. 1 maegashira, former ozeki Kirishima.

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Related coverage:

Sumo: Onokatsu learns lessons in Sumo's school of hard knocks

Sumo: With Yokozuna's promotion on the line, Hoshoryu focused on the process

Sumo: Kotozakura remains calm ahead of New Year's Yokozuna promotional bid

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