The mini Naadams are put on at this camp 3 times a month during June to August and I'm just so lucky we happened to be here for one and on my birthday too.
The competitions include wrestling, horse racing, archery with a bit of singing and dancing thrown in. I couldn't decide how best to arrange the photos so in the end I've tried to lump them together in subject rather than chronologically, so the lighting may be a bit odd.
Mongolian Naadam Wrestling (Bökh)
is an untimed, single-elimination competition with no weight classes. A wrestler loses the match the moment any part
of their body above the palms or feet — such as a knee, elbow, back or torso — touches
the ground. There were 4 matches going on at the same time in the same arena so it was a bit confusing.
Taking a quick breather.
As with many old traditions, every part has a symbolic meaning and none more so than the hat (Malgai) which is considered a sacred and highly respected item in Mongolian culture rather than a mere costume piece. The high, cone-like or pointed crown symbolizes triumph, mountain peaks and the eternal prosperity of Mongolia and it is often decorated with downward lines of stitching resembling sun rays and colourful ornaments or ribbons.
I haven't found out why this guy is wearing a different style hat.
The traditional leather boots are called gutals and feature flat, sturdy soles and signature upturned toes. These heavy boots provide vital ankle stability, help competitors maintain a firm grip on the ground during a match, and display ornamental stitching or patterns that can signify a wrestler's rank or status.
Each competitor has a herald whose sole purpose appears to be holding the hat.
Hair pulling is most certainly not allowed so I'm not sure what this chap was up to.
Next came the Horse Racing.
Unlike Western track racing, horses gallop across natural, wide-open terrain with no artificial tracks, lanes, or fences. Races are split into categories based on the horse's age, ranging from roughly 10–12 km for two-year-olds up to 25–28 km for older horses - the distance today was considerably shorter although the start line was well out of sight. Young riders (boys and girls, typically aged 5 to 13) are used because they are light and skilled.
Some of them came into the arena, almost like the parade ground, before their race!
This one had the most amazing mane!
I'd estimate about 50 riders set off for the start line and I can only imagine what was going through the little girl's mind as she watched this group go; "one day that'll be me" would be my bet.
Eventually, after some considerable time, we were told to get ready as the race leaders were approaching - just look at the dust they're kicking up.
Many of the jockeys were demonstrating the same skill which involved crossing their arms over whilst waving their hats and a ribbon around and obviously not holding the reins at the same time.
Many of the older children were also riding bareback and none of them had protective headgear!
These two were having their own private race near the back of the field. She was the only girl I noticed racing.
This chap was one of the overall winners and could hardly contain his excitement.
There were winners in different age categories and medals were presented.
Before doing a lap of honour.
Heading back to their hitching rails.
The combined medals photo.
