
Traditional Mongolian wrestling
Traditional Mongolian wrestling, known as "Bökh," is a key cultural sport emphasizing strength, agility, and skill. Participants wear silk jackets and tight shorts and compete to force opponents onto their back. The sport involves various disciplines like footwork, balance, and technique, often performed during festivals such as Naadam. Matches are not timed; victory is achieved through techniques like pushing, pulling, or throwing the opponent. Bökh embodies principles of honor, respect, and tradition, serving as a vital aspect of Mongolian identity and social cohesion. It is both a competitive sport and a rite of passage in Mongolian culture.