NAADAM FESTIVAL 2000

The next morning after breakfast we went to the ancient, medieval games of the Mongolian people that has survived in that part of the world possibly from the time of the Huns. It is called the Naadam Festival. There are three main sporting events in the festival. They are; wrestling, archery and horse racing. Skill in these three sports allowed Chinggis Kahn and his hoards to sweep through Asia and part of Europe and overthrow many kingdoms on the way. After being freed from a seventy year of oppression by the Soviet Union, Mongolia has emerged bringing back their old customs, religions and folkways with new vigor and determination.

Outside of Stadium



We arrived at the huge stadium where the opening ceremony was to take place and where the event of wrestling was to start. We were standing around trying to figure out what we were to do now that we were there. Suddenly I heard the sound of many boots hitting the pavement in unison. I looked up and saw two squads of Mongolian Soldiers in bright red uniforms, marching directly toward us. I quickly got out of the way since I was directly in their path.

Mongolian Soldiers



After they passed we found out that we were to enter the stadium at the foriegn entrance. Once we found out where that was we got in line. While we were standing for a little while, a group of French people tried to butt in front of us. Paul immediately went over and had words with their tour manager. He wasn't making any headway with the Frenchman so he grabbed the entry tickets out of his hands. After this a few sharps words exchanged. Then some Americans from another group told them to go to the end of the line. They did and Paul gave them their tickets back. That was a strange occurance.

The gate opened and we went inside. The area we got to sit in had a roof so we didn't have to sit in the sun. After a little while once everyone was in the festivities began. First the president of the country came to the microphone and welcomed everyone games and officially opened the games. After that an army regiment came goose stepping out into the field. Then nine white horsetail banners were brought out by soldiers on horseback dressed in Chinggis Kahn warrior regalia. They placed the banner in the center of the stadium. Next an orchestra played the national anthem and other songs. All this took place quite a distance from where we were. After this an airplane flew by and a bunch of men jumped out and parachuted to the ground.

Parachute Landing



WRESTLING

After that the wrestlers came out. Like wrestlers all over the world, Mongolian wrestling has it's own unique style and rules in which they practice their sport. The wrestler's costume consisted of; knee high boots, a short jacket with long sleeves. The shirt is tight fitting across the back with the chest open, and they wear short trunks usually made of silk. At the beginning of a bout with an opponent they perform a little dance with resembles the flight of an eagle.

Wrestler



This dance helps them limber up but also gives them a chance to show off their physique. There is no time limit inwhich to pin their opponent so some of these contests can take a little time. There is also no weight category so you may see a large wrestler fighting with someone who is much smaller.