WHY YOU NEED TO SEE A ‘MINI NAADAM’ IN MONGOLIA

Mongolia’s annual Naadam Festival is a centuries-old tradition that dates back to the era of the

• Togluulagch 11 player

great Khans and their dynasties. Wrestling, archery and horse racing—the three skills that Chingis Khan considered essential for any Mongol warrior—are showcased today at the country’s largest celebration of the “three manly sports”.

Heads up though: Naadam is not as it once was. The modern spectacle feels increasingly like a performance for tourists and foreign dignitaries rather than the cultural pillar it has been since its inception in 1920. Today many locals retreat to the country’s rural plains to watch the events on television with their families, while thousands of international tourists flock to Mongolia for the 3-day festival each July. And while many come to experience its unique cultural showcase, some argue that the sports themselves—the historic crux of the events —have become secondary to the performances. More and more, efforts are being allocated towards the grand the opening ceremonies and creating a carnival-like atmosphere.