Ulaanbaatar, September 13, 2024 /MONTSAME/. President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa issued a decree and yesterday handed over state titles, orders, and medals to the coaches and athletes who excelled at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics. Besides in recognition of their great achievements, the state orders, titles, and medals were awarded in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the modern sports sector in Mongolia, the 60th anniversary of the country's participation in the Olympic Games, and the 24th anniversary of its participation in the Paralympic Games. 

The title of Hero of Labor of Mongolia was awarded to:

Surenjav Ulambayar, gold medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Ulambayar was also presented with the Golden Soyombo insignia of the Hero of Labor of Mongolia and the Order of Sukhbaatar.

The title of "State Honored Athlete" was awarded to:

Bavudorj Baasankhuu, an athlete of the national judo team and silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Tsegmed Battulga, an athlete of the Mongolian National Para Athletics Association and the national team, and a silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The title of State Honored Coach of Mongolia was awarded to:

Naranchimeg Erdenebaatar, a coach of the national Para-Taekwondo team and International Master of Sports.

Dorj-Jantsan Batnasan, a coach of the national Para-Taekwondo team.

Dashdendev Makhashiri, a coach of the Mongolian National Para Athletics Association and the national team.

The Order of Sukhbaatar was awarded to:

Enkhbayar Sodnompiljee, a Hero of Labor of Mongolia and silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Ganbat Bolor-Erdene, an athlete of the national Para-Taekwondo team and silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Dash Bat-Undral, State Honored Coach of Mongolia and national team coach.

Munkhbaatar Bundmaa, State Honored Athlete of Mongolia and coach of the national judo team.

Dava Nymkhuu, President of the Mongolian National Paralympic Committee

Tseren Radnaa, State Honored Athlete of Mongolia and gold medalist at the World Masters Championships in Athletics.

The Order of the Polar Star was awarded to:

Khurel Nomuun, an athlete of the national team and Paralympic swimmer.

After the ceremony, some athletes and coaches shared their impressions.

Hero of Labor of Mongolia and National Para Taekwondo Team Athlete Surenjav Ulambayar: 

I am incredibly honored to have received the title of Hero of Labor of Mongolia today, following the proud moment of raising our National Flag in the Paris sky. Achieving this success would not have been possible without the support of many. First and foremost, I want to thank my two coaches, the leadership of the Mongolian Para Taekwondo Federation, my training partners, friends, and family. It is because of all of you that I am wearing this esteemed title today.

N. Ulambayar, a herder from Tosontsengel soum, Zavkhan aimag, father of Surenjav:

My daughter is the third child in the family, and the only one who pursued a career in sports. When I heard that she would be awarded the prestigious title of Hero of Labor of Mongolia, I hurried here from the countryside. Surenjav has always been determined, attentive, and resilient from a young age. She began her athletic journey out of her own passion, and as a father, I have always encouraged her to be courageous and spirited. I am immensely proud of her for receiving the Hero of Labor of Mongolia title.

National Judo Team Athlete and "Paris 2024" Olympic Silver Medalist B. Baasankhuu:

I am deeply grateful to have been awarded the title of Honored Athlete of Mongolia. I want to thank my team, fellow athletes, parents, and everyone who supported me. It is a great honor to have won a medal at the Paris 2024 Games. I would also like to congratulate the Para team and staff for making Mongolia's National Anthem resonate in the Paris sky. Special thanks to my coach, M. Burmaa, for always being by my side.

National Para Taekwondo Team Coach and International Master of Sports N. Erdenebaatar:

I express my heartfelt gratitude to my parents, who introduced me to this sport at a young age and nurtured me into who I am today. I also want to thank my beloved spouse for taking on all the responsibilities at home, allowing me to focus on my work. My coach, Bayarsaikhan, introduced me to this sport at the age of eight, and later, Coach Gantumur took me to my first international competition. I am thankful to him and his family. I believe that Otgonbaatar, who played a pivotal role in developing Para Taekwondo, is watching over us proudly. I extend my gratitude to all the coaches who laid the foundation for this sport. Moving forward, I am confident that our athletes will continue to excel on the global stage, making our anthem resonate worldwide. From a young age, I have served as an athlete, coach, international referee, and head coach of the national team. I am thrilled to have participated in my third Olympics this year and to have won gold and silver medals.

National Team Paralympic Swimmer Kh. Nomuun:

While I did not secure a medal, I am proud of what I have accomplished at the age of 17. Today, I received the Order of the Polar Star from the President of Mongolia, marking an unforgettable moment in my life. Many athletes who competed in this event have overcome immense challenges, and witnessing their determination and being alongside them was truly inspiring. I still have many opportunities to compete in future Olympics. This was my first time representing Mongolia in Paralympic swimming, which was an honorable achievement. I was also deeply proud to carry our National Flag during the closing ceremony.

Coach Z. Suvd:

I was not the only coach for Nomuun. We conducted joint training sessions with the Kazakhstan national team and held altitude training in Turkey. After earning her Olympic spot, we worked intensely in a short period. Going forward, we must increase the number of athletes in this discipline. Relying on just one athlete is limiting. With at least two or three athletes, Paralympic swimming can grow more in our country. Para swimming is classified differently based on the type of disability. Despite being the sole swimmer from Mongolia, Nomuun’s successful participation in two events is a remarkable achievement.