Mongolia's Naadam sports festival celebrates national culture

Mongolia's Naadam sports festival is underway as part of that country's National Day holiday celebrations.

This year's edition of the ancient Naadam Festival was opened by Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj on 11th July, the country's National Day.

Made up of horse racing, archery and wrestling, the Naadam festival is said to date back thousands of years.

Historically described as ‘the manly Games’, Naadam is now open for women to compete in the archery competitions, while girls can participate in the horse riding events.

The annual Naadam events hold special significance in Mongolia's nomadic culture.

The first recorded mention of the festival dates back to the 13th century in the chronicle known as ‘The Secret History of the Mongols’.

During his rule, famed Mongol leader Genghis Khan is said to have used the competitions to select his most qualified warriors and soldiers.

For locals such as Nyamdorj, today's modern Naadam carries just as much importance.

Nyamdorj told media “the Nadam is the most celebrated event in Mongolia. Horse-riding, wrestling and archery are the most popular traditional sports in our country - especially horse riding.

“Children begin learning to ride horses from an early age. When they cross the finish line during a horse race, that is the most exciting moment for us to watch. I think the happiest thing for any Mongolian is to watch the Naadam live."

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