By Johanna M. Sampan The Mongols are said to be courageous warriors. Their rich history will tell you how their ancestors fought so many powerful conquerors to gain this small nation’s freedom. Their greatest warrior and leader, Genghis Khan, who led a very nomadic way of life, continues to inspire present-day Mongols. In fact, his legendary exploits inspired the activities of their famous sports fest Naadam Festival, which is celebrated to commemorate Mongolia’s Independence Day. Held each year from July 11 to 12, Naadam Festival showcases sports competitions like archery, horse racing and wrestling.

Jargal Tsogzolmaa, editor at the online health magazine Mongoljingoo.mn, gives us a lowdown on what exactly happens here during the two-day merry-making.

Mongolian archery is unique for having not only one target but hundreds of surs, small woven or wooden cylinders. In this competition both men and women can participate. It is played by a 10-man or a 10-woman team, with each participant given four arrows. To win, the team has to hit at least 33 surs. Men fire their arrows 75 meters away while women at 65 meters. When the archer hits the target the judge says “uuhai” which means "bull’s eye." The male winner will be granted the title "national marksman," and the female "national markswoman."

Competitors can join either the “512- wrestler” or the “1024-wrestler” category. Wrestlers meet in a single-elimination tournament that lasts until the 9th or 10th round. The match has no time limit but the first wrestler to touch the ground, with any part of his body other than his hands and feet, loses. The most famous wrestler has the privilege to choose his opponents. Wrestlers wear two-piece costumes consisting of a tight shoulder vest (zodog) and shorts (shuudag). Only men are allowed to compete in this competition. Another interesting fact is that each wrestler has an "encourager" called a zasuul. The zasuul sings a song of praise for the winning wrestler after the 3rd, 5th, and 7th round. Winners of either the 7th or 8th round earn the title of zaan or "elephant", while the 9th or 10th stage winner is called arslan or "lion". Two-time arslan is called the champion, or the "avraga."

Unlike Western horse racing, which consists of short sprints on generally 2-kilometer tracks, Mongolian horse racing during the Naadam Festival is a cross-country event wherein participants cover 15 to 30 kilometers. The age of the horse determines the race category it can participate in. For example, 2-year-old horses race for ten miles and 7-year-olds for 17 miles. It is interesting to note that up to 1000 horses from any part of Mongolia can participate, and these horses have special diet. Children from five to 13 years old are handpicked to be “jockeys.” They will undergo intensive training for months prior to the race. More than the skills of the jockeys, the main purpose of the competition is to test the skill of their horses. Before any race begins, the audience sings traditional songs while jockeys sing a song called Gingo. Prizes are awarded not just to the jockeys but to the horses as well. The top five horses in each age class earn the title of “airgiyn tav” and the top three are given gold, silver, and bronze medals. Meanwhile, the winning horse is given the title “tumny ekh,” or leader of 10 thousand.

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