In Pictures: Mongolians wrestle through annual Nadaam festival

For Mongolians throughout the vast steppe nation known as the land of the "Eternal Blue Sky", wrestling is sport, entertainment, and a key topic of conversation and aspiration. The pinnacle comes during the annual summer festival of Naadam, which Mongolians have celebrated for eight centuries.

Updated

Published

Jul 20, 2015, 12:35 PM

Actors dressed as Mongolian soldiers taking part in the opening ceremony of National Naadam Festival at the Central Stadium in Ulan Bator. PHOTO: AFP

Mongolian wrestler Enkhtuvshingiin Oyunbold (C) celebrating his victory in the seventh round of the National Naadam Festival at the Central Stadium in Ulan Bator. PHOTO: AFP

Mongolian wrestler Enkhtuvshingiin Oyunbold (front L) receiving his hat after winning his bout in the fifth round of the National Naadam Festival at the Central Stadium in Ulan Bator. PHOTO: AFP

Mongolian wrestler Enkhtuvshingiin Oyunbold celebrating his victory in front of the "Nine White Banners" (the peacetime symbol of the Mongolian state) as the runner up (left) performs an eagle dance. PHOTO: AFP

Mongolian wrestler Enkhtuvshingiin Oyunbold (2nd left) defeating an opponent in the seventh round during the National Naadam Festival at the Central Stadium in Ulan Bator. PHOTO: AFP

Mongolian wrestler Khadbaatar Munkhbaatar (right), 35 and a "National Lion" since 2007, taking part in a wrestling training session at a camp, west of Ulan Bator, ahead of the National Naadam Festival. PHOTO: AFP

Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj (right) as he presents a speech during the opening ceremony of the National Naadam Festival at the Central Stadium in Ulan Bator. PHOTO: AFP

Mongolian wrestler Enkhtuvshingiin Oyunbold (far right) being greeted by the crowd after his victory at the National Naadam Festival at the Central Stadium in Ulan Bator. PHOTO: REUTERS

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