Games of the Khan

Mongolian festival celebrates time-honored skills, entertainment on the steppes

Among the many diverse cultures of China's ethnic groups, Mongolians stand out for their herding and nomadic traditions. And amid the country's fast-paced development and urbanization, members of the group still maintain their proud customs and habits of the grasslands and steppes by holding one of their most popular festivals - Naadam.

Held in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region during midsummer when the grasslands are lush and the livestock fully grown, Naadam alludes to "entertainment" or "game" in the Mongolian language.

The Mongol leader Genghis Khan himself is believed to have thought up the games involving wrestling, archery and horse racing in the 13th century to emphasis the traits needed for a Mongolian soldier.

Naadam has since evolved to encompass and gauge the character and capabilities of the Mongolians.

"The three games of men" provide an eye-popping and exhilarating way for those weary of city life or the typical scenic and historic spot to get in touch with their outdoor side.

The Second Ordos International Naadam Fair, touted as the biggest of its kind in China, starts on Aug 27 in Ordos in Inner Mongolia and lasts till Sept 3. This annual event will consist of 16 sporting competitions, art and cultural activities, exhibitions and trade shows. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Horse racing

Archery was a fundamental skill for soldiers in Genghis Khan's era.

Horses are deeply embedded in Mongolian culture. Riding them is an indication of a man's skills, so horse racing is probably the most exciting game during Naadam. Herdsmen from hundreds of miles away ride their horses to attend the festival.

Decked in colorful waistbands and head cloths, riders, triggered by the sound of the horn, saddle up and gallop away with spectators rallying near the starting point. Tourists will find the deafening cheers of the crowd accompanying the thundering hooves of the horses unforgettable.

The horse is the center of attention. When the race is completed, an elderly man usually goes up to the champion mount with a hada (a piece of silk used as a greeting gift) on both hands, reciting compliments for the winner. Every part of the beast's body will be praised. After that, the hada will be attached to the horse's neck.

Tourists can also gather at the finishing line to try for a touch of the horses as they pass. According to Mongolian legend, the sweat of the fastest horses is considered good luck for the coming year.

2. Mongolian wrestling

Mongolian wrestling is the herdsmen's favorite sport. Called "Boekh", which means "durability" in Mongolian, it is uniquely Mongolian and is distinctly different from other forms of Chinese wrestling and Japanese sumo in terms of match rules, costumes and settings.

Once the match starts, wrestlers immediately try to grab the upper body of his opponent. Any body part other than the feet hitting the ground signals defeat. Anyone who hopes to win the game has to rely on dexterity rather than strength. The rules mandate that the contestants should not in any way pull the trousers of the opponents.

There is no limit on time or weight. The wrestlers have to be grouped in even numbers.

Referees pick competitors and wrestlers have no right to choose their opponents. Specific costumes must be worn during the event. Wrestlers put on loose-fitting white trousers with animal or flower-embroidered leggings. Jackets are made of leather studded with silver or bronze rivets.

A red, blue and yellow silk three-color waistband covers the middle part of the body, and leather boots are also worn to reinforce players' moves.

Renowned wrestlers also wear a jangga, a necklace made of strands of colorful silk ribbons. This is only awarded to those who have risen up the ranks during the contests - all helping to make a grand show for the tourists who are allowed to gather in a circle to watch the matches.

3. Archery

The reign of Genghis Khan in the 13th century required adult Mongolian men to perform military service, with archery becoming a fundamental skill for the soldiers.

After the Khan conquered most parts of the Euro-Asian continent, many hunting and nomadic tribes started returning to herding. But they also maintained their archery skills in case of attacks from wild animals or enemies.

Two different kinds of archery are contested during Naadam: stationary shooting and shooting on horseback.

In stationary shooting, every man shoots nine arrows in three turns and the top three hitting the bull's eye most will be awarded. The number of contestants can come up to several hundred during the festival.

For horseback archery, targets are erected 25 meters between each one. Every rider can shoot three times at each target. The contestant has to finish his shooting within the lanes set. If there are arrows left after the horse runs the whole length, it will be deemed dishonorable.

Besides these traditional games, an international marathon will also take place during the Naadam this year in Ordos. Another highlight of the fair includes the 62nd Miss World Final during the festivities. Hiashatar, a form of Mongolian chess competition, will also take place during the fair. The Mausoleum of Genghis Khan is also located in the same area. Although the body of the leader has never been found, the site is still a worthwhile stop for visitors.

China Daily