The Naadam Festival is one of the most important national holidays
of Mongolia. It is based upon the wedding and hunting ceremonials and
traditions that stretch far back into the country’s history. The main feature
of the festival is three key sporting passions of the Mongolian people,
wrestling, archery, and finally horse racing. Among these things there is also
a vast collection of art and food. The festival lasts two days typically from
July 11th to July 13th. With the biggest festival held
near the capital of Ulaanbaatar. Also played during the festival outside of the
three main sports is a game called shagai that is played with the anklebones of
sheep as tokens. Mongolian wrestling at Naadam is a single elimination system
that is an untimed event where the loser is the first to touch the ground.
Archery was included in the Naadam festival of sports around the 11th
century during the time of Khanate. The winner at the festival is given the prestige
title of National Marksman. Finally, often considered the most important and prestigious
sport of Mongolia is the horse racing. The sport is broken down into many
categories based upon the ages of the horse. The top quintile of winners is
given the title of Airgiyn Tav.
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