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| 1036 Camp of Naadam in Mongolia |
Posted on 17.03.2014, 12.04.2016
Naadam (literally "games") is a traditional festival in Mongolia (but also in China, in areas in which live Mongols), termed locally Eriin gurvan naadam (the three games of men), which exist, probably, for centuries. The biggest festival (Naadam of the Country) is held in the capital Ulan Bator during the National Holiday from July 11-13, in the National Sports Stadium. It begins with an elaborate ceremony featuring dancers, athletes, horse riders, and musicians, after that follows the competitions in the three games, directly linked with the lifestyles of the Mongols: Bökh(Mongolian wrestling), horse racing and archery.
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| 2456 Bökh (Mongolian wrestling) |
Bökh (which means "durability") is the most important of the Mongolian culture's historic "Three Manly Skills". Genghis Khan considered it to be an important way to keep his army in good physical shape and combat ready. There are several different versions: Mongolian, Buryatian, Oirat and Inner Mongolian. The goal of a match is to get your opponent to touch his upper body, knee or elbow to the ground. There are no weight classes, age limits, or time limits in a match. The rank of a wrestler can only be attained during the Naadam festival, and is determined by the number of rounds won, being held for life.
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