Ulaanbaatar, July 13, 2025 /MONTSAME/ The National Naadam Festival, marking the 2234th anniversary of the establishment of Mongolian Statehood, the 819th anniversary of the Great Mongol Empire, the 114th anniversary of the Restoration of National Freedom and Independence, and the 104th anniversary of the People’s Revolution of Mongolia and the 35th anniversary of the Democratic Revolution in Mongolia, was solemnly and widely celebrated throughout the country on July 11-12, 2025.

At the 2025 Naadam Festival, Mongolia’s grandest national celebration, 512 wrestlers from across the country, holding ranks from soum to national titles, competed in the traditional wrestling tournament. Emerging victorious after nine rounds was Batmagnai Enkhtuvshin, a native of Jinst soum in Bayankhongor aimag, representing the “Aldar” Sports Committee and the “Terguun Bogd” stable. With this triumph, he earned the prestigious state title of “Ulsyn Arslan” (State Lion) This marks a historic moment for Bayankhongor aimag, as it has been 76 years since a wrestler from the aimag last won the national championship. The previous champion, P. Ayush, achieved the feat in 1949.

The runner-up position was secured by Usukhbayar Nyamdorj, a wrestler from Ongon soum in Sukhbaatar aimag, representing the “Khilchin” Sports Committee, “Negdel” Club, and “Javkhlant” stable. With his outstanding performance, he was awarded the state title of “Ulsyn Garid” (State Garuda).

In the traditional national archery competition, archers from Bayan-Ulgii and Dornod aimags rose to victory and earned the honorary title of “Ulsyn Mergen” (State Master). In men’s archery, Kh. Khureltuya, from Buyant soum in Bayan-Ulgii aimag, representing the “Aldar” Sports Committee, secured the top position, while in women’s archery, Ch. Gandavaa, from Bayandun soum of Dornod aimag, representing the “Khaliun-Undur” team, earned the “Ulsyn Mergen” title. These mark the first national titles for both archers.

Moreover, wrestler M. Belgutei from Bayanuul soum, Dornod aimag and O. Naranbaatar from Kharkhorin soum, Uvurkhangai aimag were awarded State Hawk (Ulsyn Khartsaga) title for winning six rounds, while Sh. Otgontugs from Jargaltkhaan soum, Khentii aimag and M. Byambadorj from Airag soum, Dornogobi aimag earned State Falcon (Ulsyn Nachin) title as winning five rounds in the Wrestling Game.

M. Byambadorj, notably, was the youngest wrestler to earn the State Falcon title this year. In recognition of this achievement, he was awarded a racehorse by the Mongolian Youth Federation, an annual tradition honoring the youngest new titleholder.

The President of Mongolia presented certificates and medals to the winners of wrestling, archery, knucklebone shooting and horse race games, continuing the deep-rooted tradition of honoring excellence in Mongolia’s most celebrated cultural festival. In addition, the President presented gifts to the child jockeys, whose horses finished in the top five positions in each category of the five horse-age races.

The National Naadam Festival closed with a closing announcement by the President of Mongolia, just after the 9th round of the Wrestling tournament ended at the Central Stadium. In his speech President Khurelsukh highlighted, “In full apprehension of the fact that we are one Mongolia, one family and one people, we should be united by our goals and values, reinforced by sound mind and great spirit, strengthen our faith and unity, and together develop our country with optimistic aspirations and dedication.

Today, Naadam for Horse trainers is taking place at Khui Doloon Khudag.