Mongolia Wrestling Costume– Nadaam Games
Of the three “manly skills” in Mongolian culture, wrestling is the most important. It has been ranked there since the days of Ghengis Khan, keeping the army nimble and preoccupied with games had Mongolia on top of the world in conquests.
Although modern wrestling is practiced and watched with enthusiasm in Mongolia, Buryatia (Russia) and Inner Mongolia (China) the Mongolian version reaches it’s peak in Ulan Bator where the National Nadaam takes place early in July every year. Titles for winners range from “Elephant of Aimag, Garuda of Nation to Undefeatable Giant of Nation”. The judges are gathering and last minute checking is taking place. Folks have gathered in their traditional costumes from spectators to judges, and then, there is the participants’ standard gear, here is a sneak peak.
Leather boots, either in traditional style (with slightly upturned toes), or commercial, Western style. The traditional style gutal are often reinforced around the sides with leather strings for the purpose of wrestling.
Inner Mongolian wrestlers may also wear a jangga, a necklace decorated with strands of colorful silk ribbons. It is awarded to those who have gained considerable renown through contests.
For more on Mongolia and the TransSiberian Railway, see also:
https://www.heathersimonds.com/blog/on-to-mongolia-trans-mongolian-train-travel
https://www.heathersimonds.com/blog/mongolian-camel-trek
https://www.heathersimonds.com/blog/mongolian-wrestlers-reach-out
https://www.heathersimonds.com/blog/mongolian-mountain-passes-and-ancient-beliefs
