National Wrestling

National Wrestling

Mongolian National Wrestling (Bökh)

Mongolian national wrestling, known as Bökh, is the most prestigious traditional sport of Mongolia and a central event of the National Naadam Festival.

Modern Wrestling Titles (Current System)

Today, wrestling titles are awarded based on how many rounds a wrestler wins during the National Naadam Festival. The title system has been modernized and standardized, while still preserving traditional names and hierarchy.

Official Wrestling Titles (Modern Usage)

• Falcon (Nachin)
  Awarded to a wrestler who wins 5 rounds at Naadam.
• Elephant (Zaan)
  Awarded to a wrestler who wins 7 rounds at Naadam.
• Lion (Arslan)
  Awarded to the Naadam champion who wins 9 rounds.
• Titan / Champion (Avarga)
  Awarded to a wrestler who wins the Naadam championship twice or more.
  Additional honors such as “Great” or “Invincible” may be added based on repeated victories.

Titles are officially approved by the State Naadam Commission, and once earned, they are held for life. Repeated success enhances the wrestler’s title with honorific prefixes rather than creating new ranks.

Naadam Wrestling Competition

During the National Naadam Festival:

• 512 wrestlers compete in a single-elimination format
• Matches progress through 9 rounds
• There are no weight classes
• The final winner becomes the Naadam Champion (Arslan)

Victory is declared when any part of the body other than the feet or palms touches the ground, including the knees, elbows, shoulders, or back.

Wrestling Rituals and Ceremonies

Wrestlers enter the arena in order of rank, led by the highest-titled competitor. Their traditional wrestling costume (omsgol) consists of:

• Zodog – open-front jacket
• Shuudag – tight wrestling briefs
• Gutul – traditional boots

After each match:

• The loser passes under the winner’s raised arm as a gesture of respect
• The winner performs the Eagle Dance (Devekh) around the ceremonial flag, honoring victory and tradition

Coaches accompany wrestlers, acting as advisors, supporters, and traditional hat holders throughout the competition.

A Living Tradition

Modern Mongolian wrestling combines ancient warrior traditions with contemporary sporting organization. While rules and titles have been refined, Bökh remains a powerful symbol of strength, dignity, fairness, and national pride.

It continues to stand at the heart of Naadam, uniting generations and showcasing Mongolia’s living cultural heritage.