Politics
Police and Internal Troops Deploy 7,700 Officers for Lunar New Year Security and Traffic Control
Published: 2026-02-19
Police and internal troops shifted to “Heightened Readiness, Level 1” on February 17 to manage public order, safety, and traffic during the Lunar New Year period. Nationwide, 7,719 personnel are on duty, including 2,432 in foot patrols, 940 in vehicle patrols, and 2,392 directing traffic. Authorities are also monitoring safety via 10,551 surveillance cameras across 30 sub-centers. The operation aims to deter crime and violations, ensure smooth traffic flows during peak holiday travel, and maintain public safety at gatherings and family visits. For businesses and residents, the increased presence may expedite incident response and ease congestion at key intersections and transport corridors, while extensive camera coverage supports rapid coordination among units. The elevated readiness will continue over the holiday period, with resource distribution focused on high-traffic urban zones and regional hubs.
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Economy
Lunar New Year Spending Lifts Retail but Risks Higher Import Outflows and Household Strain
Published: 2026-02-19
Tsagaan Sar, Mongolia’s Lunar New Year, triggers a nationwide consumption surge estimated at MNT 200–500 billion, concentrated in gifts, traditional attire, dairy products, and food. Import-heavy gift purchases channel significant foreign currency outflows, potentially widening the trade deficit even as domestic retail and services enjoy a short-term boost. Household outlays have reportedly climbed from around MNT 2 million pre-pandemic to MNT 5–6 million in recent years, with spending varying widely by income and celebration scale. Analysts note post-pandemic “make-up” celebrations may be amplifying costs, but 2025’s weaker fundamentals—volatile export revenues, inflation pressure, and limited wage growth—raise vulnerability. Economists advocate budgeting and needs-aligned spending to avoid debt or liquidity stress. The holiday remains a seasonal demand peak, but excessive consumption could undermine both household and macroeconomic stability.
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Industrial Output Jumps 55% in January on Mining and Utilities Gains
Published: 2026-02-19
Preliminary data show Mongolia’s industrial production reached MNT 5.4 trillion in January, up 55% year-on-year (MNT 1.9 trillion). The National Statistics Office attributes the surge primarily to mining and quarrying (+68% or MNT 1.8 trillion) and electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply (+34.3% or MNT 95.3 billion). Mining output totaled MNT 4.4 trillion, driven by a 2.2-fold increase in metal ore extraction (+MNT 1.4 trillion) and a 29.9% rise in coal mining (+MNT 396.4 billion). Physical output expanded for iron ore, copper concentrate (by metal content), and coal, while unrefined gold, crude oil, fluorspar, brown coal, silver, and zinc concentrate declined 2.5–89.1%. Manufacturing showed mixed performance, with gains in beverages, metal products, lime, cashmere knitwear, scoured cashmere, and cement, but declines in vodka, liquid milk, flour, pure alcohol, copper cathode, cigarettes, and meat. Sales of industrial products rose to MNT 8 trillion, with mining sales up MNT 4.4 trillion and exports at MNT 6.4 trillion, 98% from mining. The seasonally adjusted industrial production index fell 26.5% year-on-year to 194.1 (2015=100).
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Lunar New Year Trade Fair Channels MNT 52.5 Billion to Domestic SMEs
Published: 2026-02-19
Ulaanbaatar’s city-backed “Amar baina uu 2026” trade fair and investment forum ran for a month across the Ikh Nayaad and Soyolj Mall centers, enabling around 1,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from all nine city districts and 21 provinces to sell 55,000 product types at factory prices without rental fees. Organizers reported MNT 52.5 billion in domestic cash flow—slightly surpassing last year’s MNT 52.4 billion—underscoring steady consumer demand and the fair’s role in import substitution and liquidity retention within Mongolia’s retail ecosystem. The event culminated with awards recognizing top specialists and manufacturers by district across apparel, food, and gifts, highlighting a diversified SME base and branding momentum. This year’s edition also featured district-level fairs, potentially broadening neighborhood access and distribution channels for micro and small producers.
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Infrastructure
Intercity Bus Routes Partially Resume for Lunar New Year; Full Schedule Back on Feb 20
Published: 2026-02-19
Authorities maintained limited intercity bus operations during Lunar New Year, keeping service running on 10 routes—including Darkhan-Uul, Khentii, Dundgovi, Tuv, and Orkhon—with 18 vehicles in circulation. Travel on other provincial routes, except Bayan-Ulgii, was temporarily suspended to reduce road congestion and address safety risks linked to winter conditions and holiday traffic. Officials said advance bookings surged on operating routes and indicated preparations for additional trips if needed. All intercity services are set to return to normal timetables from February 20. Travelers are advised to plan ahead, use official channels for schedules and ticketing, and follow road-safety guidance; drivers are reminded to ensure vehicle roadworthiness. The measures reflect Mongolia’s recurring holiday traffic management, prioritizing safety on provincial roads where weather and infrastructure can magnify accident risks.
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Society
Lunar New Year Traffic Flows Smoothly in Ulaanbaatar as Crashes and Street Crime Plunge
Published: 2026-02-19
Ulaanbaatar reported no theft, fraud, or robbery cases and sharply reduced road incidents on Lunar New Year’s Day, following heightened coordination under the city’s “Amgalan” holiday operations. By 20:00 on Day 1 of the lunar year, the Traffic Management Center logged 11.456 million trips across 151 intersections, averaging 507,000 vehicles per hour, with no gridlock points recorded. Authorities cited integrated AI-enabled camera systems and targeted parking and flow management—such as the “Open Your Yards” campaign—for improved throughput. The Traffic Police said traffic accident calls fell 86% compared with normal days, indicating effective demand management and enforcement. City leaders framed the outcome as proof that technology integration and inter-agency readiness can ease traditional holiday congestion and public safety risks in the capital.
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Two Die After Vehicle Breaks Through Weak Ice on Lake Khövsgöl; Five Rescued
Published: 2026-02-19
Two people—one adult and one child—died after a UAZ “Purgon” with seven occupants entered a weak-ice zone (“black ice boundary”) on frozen Lake Khövsgöl on the evening of February 18. The vehicle was traveling from Khankh to Renchinlkhümbe when it broke through; five passengers escaped. The provincial Emergency Management Agency received the call at 20:16 and launched search and rescue operations. Authorities are investigating the cause. Officials warned that variable currents and temperature swings create uneven ice load-bearing capacity, especially along “black ice” lines, increasing risk during evenings and sudden thaws. They urged the public to avoid driving on uncertified ice routes and to follow warning signs and restrictions. The incident highlights ongoing winter mobility risks on Mongolia’s largest freshwater lake, where informal shortcuts can tempt drivers despite recurrent official advisories.
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Police Investigate Stabbing Following Drinking Incident in Bayanzürkh District
Published: 2026-02-19
Police in Ulaanbaatar’s Bayanzürkh District received a report on February 18 that a man had been stabbed. Investigators found that a 33-year-old woman allegedly stabbed a 35-year-old man—identified only as “M”—once in the back and once in the shoulder after the two had been drinking together. The victim sustained injuries; authorities did not disclose his condition or whether arrests or charges have been filed. Law enforcement used the incident to reiterate guidance for public holidays, urging residents to moderate alcohol consumption and avoid pressuring others to drink. The advisory reflects recurring public safety concerns linked to alcohol-related violence during celebratory periods in Mongolia, when emergency and police call volumes typically rise.
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Fire Calls Spike During Lunar New Year; 101 Incidents Logged Over Three Years
Published: 2026-02-19
Mongolia’s emergency services report a recurring rise in fire incidents during Lunar New Year holidays, with 101 structure-fire calls recorded over the past three years. Authorities cite heightened risks from increased candle and incense use during greetings, large-scale cooking, and heavier reliance on electrical appliances. Safety guidance emphasizes using standard-compliant, energy-efficient heaters; avoiding damaged or improvised wiring; not operating exposed-coil heaters or stoves; and preventing overloads on power strips and extension cords. Officials also urge residents not to leave appliances plugged in for extended periods, to fully extinguish candles and incense, and to refrain from dumping hot ash outdoors. The advisory underscores the need for strict adherence to professional safety instructions to reduce preventable fires and ensure celebrations proceed in a safe environment. Source: National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
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Major Markets Publish Holiday Operating Hours for Lunar New Year Period
Published: 2026-02-19
Ulaanbaatar’s major markets and shopping centers have released special operating schedules for the Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse). The notice compiles opening and closing times during the holiday, signaling reduced or adjusted hours across key retail hubs. While specific venue-by-venue times are presented visually in the original post, the update indicates that large markets and malls will not follow standard schedules during the festival period. For businesses and consumers, this suggests planning purchases and logistics ahead of closures or shortened hours. International retailers, food suppliers, and service providers operating in the capital should anticipate fluctuating foot traffic and coordinate deliveries accordingly. Public services and ancillary sectors tied to retail may also see temporary slowdowns. No official statements or commentary accompanied the schedule release in the article.
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Zuunmod Residents Uphold Lunar New Year Tradition at Lans Khairkhan
Published: 2026-02-19
Residents of Tuv Province marked Lunar New Year’s first morning by circumambulating Lans Khairkhan, a revered peak known locally as the “heart of Bogd Mountain.” The hill, rising about 1,850 meters above sea level on the southeastern flank of Bogd Khan Mountain and just east of Zuunmod, is part of a strictly protected area. Locals annually conduct rituals to honor local spirits and seek blessings for the year’s work and wellbeing. Beyond its spiritual role, Lans Khairkhan is a popular hiking destination for Zuunmod residents and seniors, serving as a focal point for community health and active living. The event underscores the continued integration of cultural rites with outdoor recreation in a protected natural setting near the provincial capital.
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Lunar New Year Customs Highlight Unity and Respect in Mongolia
Published: 2026-02-19
Montsame outlines the significance of the Tsagaan Sar greeting ritual (zolgokh), emphasizing respect for elders and social harmony. Originating after Chinggis Khaan unified Mongol tribes and established the spring festival in 1206, the practice evolved from court protocol among nobles to a widespread custom reinforcing family ties and moral conduct. Traditional elements include offering a khadag—considered a superior ceremonial cloth—often in white, alongside items like lambskin or silk. Proper etiquette specifies placing the khadag on the elder’s palm without covering all fingers, with the elder carefully folding it in return. A variant, greeting “with khadag,” involves looping one end around the ring finger of the right hand. Post-greeting, participants exchange snuff bottles respectfully, first offering to elders. The article also shares customary verses recited when presenting a khadag, reflecting wishes for longevity and purity.
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State Leaders Offer Mandal at Gandantegchinlen on Lunar New Year’s Day
Published: 2026-02-19
Senior state officials observed the traditional New Year ritual at Ulaanbaatar’s Gandantegchinlen Monastery on February 18, the first day of the Fire Red Horse year in the Mongolian lunar calendar. Presidential Senior Advisor N. Khurelbaatar, State Great Khural Secretary-General L. Ulziisaikhan, and Cabinet Secretariat First Deputy Chief Sh. Radnaased paid respects to the Megjid Janraisig statue and presented mandal offerings before the Ochirdara (Vajradhara) revered image attributed to Zanabazar. The ceremony, a customary act seeking blessings for the nation and people, reflects the state’s symbolic engagement with Buddhist tradition at the start of the year. According to parliamentary communications, mandal offerings are intended to accumulate merit, purify misdeeds, and honor teachers and enlightened beings—an observance embedded in Mongolia’s broader religious-cultural practice. No policy announcements or political messaging accompanied the rite.
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Essay Links Horse Culture to Mongolia’s History and Current Economic Strains as New Horse Year Arrives
Published: 2026-02-19
A long-form essay revisits Mongolia’s horse-centered heritage—from The Secret History of the Mongols and steppe alliances forged on horseback to archaeological findings that show bit-wear and early equine dental care in Mongolia 3,000 years ago. It argues that while horse domestication likely began in the Pontic-Caspian steppe, nomads in Mongolia perfected equine culture and spread a 12-animal lunar calendar across Eurasia. The author then connects symbolic equestrian identity to modern politics and economics, contrasting the 1990 democratic transition’s structural collapse of the socialist system with today’s fiscal risks: rising public debt, widening budget deficits, and household leverage. The piece warns that rapid money supply growth without productivity gains echoes late-socialist inefficiencies and suggests the incoming Horse Year could trigger a wake-up call for governance and economic reform. No direct quotes from named individuals are included in the article.
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Mongolian Tradition Marks Milestone Anniversaries with “Nine Jewels” Weddings
Published: 2026-02-19
A cultural tradition in Mongolia honors long-married couples with commemorative “Nine Jewels” weddings at decade milestones, reflecting social esteem for enduring family life. Couples may celebrate jointly achieved lives and receive blessings from relatives. The sequence recognizes 10 years (Iron), 15 (Mother-of-pearl), 20 (Lapis), 25 (Silver), 30 (Pearl), 35 (Coral), 40 (Copper), 45 (Turquoise), 50 (Gold), and 55 (Vajra/Diamond-like). The 50th anniversary, known as the “Golden Jewel Wedding,” is particularly notable. These observances, commonly held at civil ceremony venues such as the Wedding Palace, reinforce intergenerational ties and community cohesion. While not a legal status change, the ceremonies symbolize stability and shared prosperity—values that hold social importance in Mongolia’s urban and rural contexts alike. No official statements or direct quotes were provided in the source article.
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Traditional Lunar Almanac Notes Favorable Activities on February 18
Published: 2026-02-19
Mongolia’s lunar calendar designates Wednesday, February 18 as a “haragchin gakhai” (black pig) day, outlining auspicious and inauspicious activities. The almanac recommends cooperative endeavors, contract signings, weddings, dowry exchanges, acquiring precious items, infant ceremonies, refurbishing temples, and meetings with prominent figures. It discourages digging, well construction, keeping puppies, laying foundations on ruins, and buying dogs. Favorable time windows are during the ox, dragon, horse, sheep, dog, and pig hours, with sunrise at 07:54 and sunset at 18:19. The guidance notes positive influences for those born in sheep and rabbit years, and caution for snake and horse years. Long-distance travelers are advised to set their course northeast. Haircutting is not recommended. This is provided as a cultural almanac reference rather than official policy.
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Environment
Severe Cold Snap and Blizzards Forecast Feb 20–24, With -40°C Lows in Basins and Strong Dust Storm Risk
Published: 2026-02-19
Mongolia’s meteorological agency warns of a rapid weather deterioration from Feb 20–24. Snow and strong winds will sweep western and central provinces on Feb 20; expand across central, Gobi, and eastern regions on Feb 21; and persist in the east on Feb 22. Gusts could reach 18–24 m/s in steppe and desert areas, driving both snow and dust storms, with travel disruption likely. Temperatures will plunge sharply after the fronts: Uvs Lake basin, Darkhad depression, and key river valleys are forecast to bottom out at -36…-41°C at night and -26…-31°C by day. Mountain and river valleys in the north and east will see -29…-34°C at night, while southern Gobi areas remain less extreme but still harsh at -8…-13°C in daytime. Ulaanbaatar is mild on Feb 19 (0…+2°C) but will turn sharply colder after Feb 20, with hazardous wind chills and blowing snow reducing visibility.
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Presidential Decree Designates Khuvsgul Lake as a State-Sanctioned Sacred Site
Published: 2026-02-19
President U. Khurelsukh issued a decree conferring state veneration status on Khuvsgul Lake, marking the first time Mongolia has designated a lake as a state-sacred site. Announced in his Lunar New Year address, the move emphasizes water conservation, protection of springs, and maintaining purity of freshwater resources. The decree coincides with the 820th anniversary of the Great Mongol Empire’s founding and includes elevating Khar Zurkh Mountain—associated with the earliest invocation of the name “Chinggis Khaan”—to state-sacred status. The decisions reinforce national heritage and environmental stewardship priorities and may shape future conservation policy and cultural tourism around Khuvsgul.
“To safeguard the ‘three jewels’ of water—conserving, protecting sources, and keeping them pure—we designate ‘Mother Sea’ Khuvsgul Lake as a state-sacred site.” - President U. Khurelsukh (gogo.mn)
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Zavkhan Expands Core Herds to Boost Sheep and Goat Breeding Quality
Published: 2026-02-19
Zavkhan province is scaling up a targeted breeding program to raise livestock productivity, designating 1,300 ewes and does with offspring as core herds across Dürvölжин, Aldarkhaan, Tosontsengel, and Santmargaz. Authorities are organizing Sartruul sheep and Buural goat lines for systematic multiplication in 24 soums with technical support from specialist institutions. Over the past two years, Sartruul sheep numbers rose to 694,300 and Buural goats to 471,300. Sartruul sheep—valued for meat and medium-coarse wool—are now used as sires in 14 soums, while Buural goats, prized for fine cashmere (13.7–14.2 microns, 5.6–6.8 cm), deliver higher yields and heavier carcasses. The program has produced about 10,000 breeding males; over 6,000 have been sold to 60+ soums in 11 provinces, and cashmere value-add alone brings herders an extra MNT 3.4 billion annually.
“Over 6,000 of roughly 10,000 breeding males have been acquired by more than 60 soums in 11 provinces to improve breed quality and productivity.” - L. Lkhasüren, Hero of Labour and Honored Zootechnician (montsame.mn)
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Health
Ulaanbaatar Keeps Holiday Health Services Open with Set Hours for Clinics and Emergency Care
Published: 2026-02-19
Ulaanbaatar health authorities will maintain essential outpatient and emergency services during Lunar New Year public holidays, providing structured access across district health centers and city dental facilities. District health centers’ surgery, trauma, internal medicine, pediatrics, and dental units will open Feb 17 from 10:00–14:00 and Feb 18–20 from 11:00–15:00. The Capital’s Dental and Maxillofacial Center will mirror the 10:00–14:00 schedule on Feb 17–20. Family health centers will deliver primary care on Feb 21–22 from 10:00–14:00, covering consultations, prescriptions, follow-ups, basic treatments, dressings, and injections. Emergency departments and the 103 ambulance service will operate 24/7 as usual. The staggered schedule aims to ensure non-urgent but necessary care remains available, with officials advising patients to call ahead to confirm hours and nearest locations. This approach reduces pressure on emergency units while preserving continuity of care during the holiday period.
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Seven New Measles Cases Reported as Nationwide Total Reaches 14,236
Published: 2026-02-19
Health authorities reported seven additional measles cases on February 19, 2020—six in Ulaanbaatar and one in a province—bringing the nationwide total to 14,236 since the outbreak began. The National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) indicated that 63 patients are currently receiving treatment. The sustained rise highlights ongoing transmission risks in urban centers, particularly the capital, where density and mobility complicate containment. While the report provides headline figures, it does not specify vaccination coverage, age distribution, or the geographic spread beyond the single provincial case—key factors for assessing outbreak dynamics. For businesses and institutions, the continued caseload suggests maintaining workplace health protocols, monitoring official advisories, and verifying staff immunization status, especially for those in customer-facing roles or frequent travelers within the country.
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Gastroenterologist Advises Holiday Diet Adjustments to Prevent Digestive Issues
Published: 2026-02-19
A senior gastroenterologist at Mongolia’s National First Central Hospital warns that post-holiday hospital visits often rise due to disrupted eating habits, particularly heavy intake of animal fat and alcohol. Common complications include bile duct inflammation, gallstone attacks, pancreatitis, reflux, and constipation—conditions exacerbated by traditionally low fiber consumption. The physician recommends increasing dietary fiber—such as carrots, beets, legumes, barley flour, and fruits—to improve bowel motility and reduce constipation. She also advises moderating animal fats that can thicken bile and promote gallstone formation, potentially blocking bile or pancreatic ducts. Symptoms to watch include post-meal band-like abdominal pain, heartburn, bitter taste in the morning, and right upper quadrant pain. Initial management centers on a lighter, low-fat, easily digestible diet, and, when indicated, physician-directed pancreatic enzyme therapy.
“Hospital workloads typically rise after holidays, chiefly from digestive complaints linked to disrupted diets.” - Dr. G. Anara, Gastroenterologist, National First Central Hospital (news.mn)
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Sports
Parliament Speaker U. Uchral Meets National Sports Representatives, Backs Legal Framework Under “National Immunity” Initiative
Published: 2026-02-19
Parliament Speaker U. Uchral met representatives of traditional sports on Lunar New Year’s Day, positioning his “National Immunity” initiative as a vehicle to safeguard and promote Mongolia’s intangible heritage—wrestling, horse racing, archery, and knuckle-bone shooting. He signaled interest in crafting a clearer legal environment to develop these sports without disputes and with stronger organization. The engagement underscores ongoing debates over how to balance cultural preservation with safety, regulation, and modern expectations for national events. Labor Hero and “Tод манлай” horse trainer Danzannyam Davaakhuu endorsed Uchral’s approach, linking spring horse racing to continuity of equine culture and identity.
“To keep our horse culture whole for the world, we should hold a spring race.” - Danzannyam Davaakhuu, Labor Hero and top horse trainer (gogo.mn)
Uchral urged joint state–citizen stewardship to pass heritage to future generations under the initiative, reflecting potential policy moves to formalize traditional sports management and event calendars.
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Klaebo Sets Winter Olympics Gold Record as Mongolia’s Ariunbat Debuts in Alpine Slalom
Published: 2026-02-19
Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo became the first athlete to win 10 Winter Olympic golds after taking the men’s cross-country team sprint with Einar Hedegård in Tesero. The result cements Norway’s lead on the Milan–Cortina 2026 medal table (15 gold, 8 silver, 9 bronze), ahead of Italy and the United States. The milestone places Klæbo ahead of previous Winter Olympic leaders Ole Einar Bjørndalen, Bjørn Dæhlie, and Marit Bjørgen (eight golds each), and draws comparisons with Summer Olympians led by Michael Phelps (23 golds). Separately, Mongolia marked a first in alpine skiing: 20-year-old A. Ariunbat finished 38th out of 96 in the men’s slalom at Bormio, with half the field not finishing their first run. Ariunbat is the first Mongolian to qualify for the Olympics in alpine skiing after cross-country skiers secured initial national quotas, expanding Mongolia’s winter-sport footprint.
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The MongolZ Draw Brazil’s FURIA in PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Quarterfinals
Published: 2026-02-19
The MongolZ advanced to the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Counter-Strike 2 quarterfinals after defeating Ukraine’s Natus Vincere and will face Brazil’s FURIA in a best-of-three at 01:00 on October 21 (local schedule). A win would set up a semifinal on October 22 at 02:00 against either France’s Team Vitality or Turkey’s Aurora Gaming. Mongolia’s roster has been boosted by new player cobrazera (U. Anarbilg), who delivered key late-round shots in the qualification match and has posted strong metrics throughout the event. However, The MongolZ enter with a recent head-to-head disadvantage, having lost their last five meetings with Brazilian teams, most recently in the group stage of Intel Extreme Masters Kraków 2026. The matchup will test The MongolZ’s momentum against FURIA’s historical edge.
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Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur Wins Lunar New Year Wrestling Tournament, Defeating Grand Champion Khangaï in Final
Published: 2026-02-19
State zaan Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur, representing the “Khilchin” Sports Committee and Border Guard Unit 0208, won the Lunar New Year wrestling tournament featuring 256 wrestlers with state, provincial, military, and district titles. He defeated Darkhan avarga Batsoogii in the sixth round and prevailed over state grand champion Orgikh Khangaï in the final. The annual Lunar New Year meet is viewed as an early-season form indicator for elite wrestlers. Lkhagvagerel highlighted recent injuries that affected his performance late last year but said his condition has improved.
“This year I’m especially pleased to have wrestled and won against champions and senior wrestlers. The Lunar New Year tournament is a ‘small Naadam’ that sets the tone for the season.” - Lkhagvagerel Munkhtur, state zaan (gogo.mn)
He extended New Year greetings to fans, noting prior results of reaching the semifinals in 2023 and quarterfinals in 2024 before finishing runner-up to Khangaï in 2025.
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Horseback Archery Leader Pushes for National Naadam Inclusion as Sport Modernizes and Gains Global Profile
Published: 2026-02-19
Mongolia’s horseback archery is evolving from revived tradition to an organized, fast-paced sport with international appeal, according to Sh. Tsogtkhüü, head of the Mongolian Horseback Archery Association and founder of the “Khan Mongol” horse circus. He says Mongolia’s main innovation—shooting at speed—has reshaped technique and equipment, spurring stronger bows and rapid arrow-loading from the quiver, and lifting the sport’s global standing. He urges formal rules, ethics, and club infrastructure via district sports committees to broaden youth access and ensure year-round training, adding that the discipline is poised to become an Olympic candidate and a tourism draw. Tsogtkhüü advocates adding horseback archery to the National Naadam Festival and notes growing female participation and foreign interest, especially from Japan, Europe, and Australia.
“If supported by the state to establish club systems and reduce facility costs, many more children will learn—and the sport will mature with proper rules and ethics.” - Sh. Tsogtkhüü, Mongolian Horseback Archery Association (montsame.mn)
“Horseback archery should be in Naadam—I believe it will ‘kick the door open.’” - Sh. Tsogtkhüü, Mongolian Horseback Archery Association (montsame.mn)
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US-born Wrestler “American Khangai” Trains in Ulaanbaatar for National Naadam Debut
Published: 2026-02-19
US-born Mongolian wrestling enthusiast Laville Khangai Marshall—known as “American Khangai”—has arrived in Ulaanbaatar to prepare for his first appearance at the National Naadam this summer under State Falcon T. Ösökh-Ireedüi’s “Tavankhan” stable. He previously lived seven years in Inner Mongolia and says his interest began via Chinese wrestling with Mongolian roots. Marshall will skip Lunar New Year tournaments to focus on training and cultural observance. He recounts receiving the name “Khangai” from his late Inner Mongolian coach and notes a perceived bond with champion O. Khangai after both won titles on the same day in 2022. He frames Mongolian wrestling as a life philosophy rather than a sport and aims to promote it globally.
“I’m not a tourist trying to dabble in wrestling; I love Mongolian wrestling and want to succeed in it.” - Laville Khangai Marshall, “American Khangai” (isee.mn)
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Published: 2026-02-19
Nineteen-year-old figure skater O. Misheel has moved to Canada to combine university studies at York University with elite training at the Toronto Cricket Skating & Curling Club under head coach Karen Preston. She competed in the 2025 Winter World University Games in Italy and the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, marking a step-up in Mongolia’s presence at regional competitions, including a first-time pairing of two Mongolian figure skaters. Misheel described pandemic-era disruptions after relocating to Mongolia in 2020, followed by brief training in Japan, before choosing Canada for stronger coaching and competition pathways. She plans to focus on skill upgrades and meeting entry standards for International Skating Union events this year.
“There’s still so much to learn going forward.” - O. Misheel (eagle.mn)
“The past year taught me responsibility and to push myself further.” - O. Misheel (eagle.mn)
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Japanese Swimmer Katsumi Nakamura Eyes Mongolia Visit after ‘Physical Asia’ Fame
Published: 2026-02-19
Japanese national team swimmer Katsumi Nakamura, popular with Mongolian audiences through Netflix’s “Physical Asia,” says he wants to visit Mongolia to experience nomadic culture, try traditional dishes like khorkhog and boodog, ride horses, and even attempt winter drifting on ice. He credits the show with boosting his profile internationally and sharpening his fitness, while praising Mongolian contestants’ tactics and creativity, citing moments where Team Mongolia outmaneuvered rivals in problem-solving challenges. Nakamura, who began swimming at 12 inspired by his mother, a former lifesaver, aims to peak over the next two years and prepare for the next Olympics despite being in the latter phase of his career.
“Hello, girls—hello, my crushes? Thank you for always supporting me.” - Katsumi Nakamura (urug.mn)
“If I join a similar show again, I would take ideas from what Team Mongolia executed.” - Katsumi Nakamura (urug.mn)
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Arts
Major Music Festivals Elevate Mongolia’s Live Scene with International Acts and High-End Production
Published: 2026-02-19
A roundup highlights how large-scale live events have matured in Mongolia’s entertainment market, blending international lineups with local talent and upgraded production. INTRO 2023 at the Mongol Shiltgeen venue ran three days with global electronic artists such as Talisman, Tom Trago, and Konstantin alongside Mongolian performers, culminating in a Boiler Room segment featuring Jako Jako, DJ Barker, and Biligudei. Hip-hop also surged: Opozit’s September 2023 stadium show at the National Sports Stadium delivered a 30-track set including new material, marking a rare reunion after nearly a decade and reportedly breaking pre-sale records. XMF 2024 positioned a headline Tsetse vs. Bilgee rap battle with premium sound, visuals, and fan engagement. Collectively, these events signal rising demand, improved technical standards, and growing cultural exchange, positioning the country more prominently on the global touring circuit and setting expectations for expanded festivals through 2026.
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UNESCO-Listed ‘Nine Jewels’ Kanjur Manuscript Preserved at National Library Highlights Rare Craft Tradition
Published: 2026-02-19
Mongolia’s National Library houses 110 volumes of the “Nine Jewels Kanjur,” a rare 19th-century Tibetan-language Buddhist canon written on specially prepared black paper using powdered gold, silver, coral, pearl, turquoise, lapis lazuli, and other precious materials. Recognized on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register since 2013 and listed as a national cultural treasure since 2002, the set exemplifies an advanced tradition of manuscript-making where artisans layered and darkened paper with organic compounds to enhance legibility, then handwrote texts using inks blended from ground gemstones and metals. The collection originated at Ikh Khüree’s Dashchoimpel monastery and moved to a scientific library in 1938. The National Library also preserves related Memory of the World items, including “Sakhiusan Dara Ekhe,” the “Danjur Inscribed Stele,” the “Mongol Vermilion Kanjur,” and “Lu. Altantovch.”
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New National Morin Khuur Research Center Launches to Systematize Heritage, Training, and Digital Archives
Published: 2026-02-19
The National Center for Morin Khuur Studies has opened under the Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture’s Institute of Culture and Arts Research, aiming to centralize research, documentation, and training for Mongolia’s iconic horsehead fiddle. The center plans a unified archive of audio-video records, oral histories, instrument-making knowledge, notation, and regional styles; it will also publish journals and organize international conferences. Director and researcher Dr. N. Magsarjav said the field has lacked a consolidated database and long-term, comparative studies across regions and disciplines, hindering development.
“A centralized academic institution to integrate information, archives, and research is a crucial step to advance morin khuur studies to the next level,” - Dr. N. Magsarjav, Director, National Center for Morin Khuur Studies (itoim.mn)
Curricula will support young scholars, performers, and instrument makers, while projects will blend traditional practice with modern recording and digital tools. The center will also preserve regional techniques through targeted fieldwork and bilingual digital content, aligning with state efforts to promote morin khuur in education and cultural diplomacy.
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Zavkhan Museum Showcases Rare 19th–20th Century Buddhist Thangka “Mongoljibu”
Published: 2026-02-19
The Zavkhan Province Museum’s religious gallery features a rare 19th–20th century thangka titled “Mongoljibu,” depicting the Buddha’s eminent disciple Mogoljibu standing on a lotus mandala. The work reflects period-specific artistic and ritual symbolism, including offerings of cintamani jewels at the Buddha’s feet. In Buddhist iconography, Mogoljibu is frequently placed to the Buddha’s left and Sharibu (Śāriputra) to the right, each holding traditional attributes—duldui and bumba—signifying wisdom and ritual purity. According to historical narratives, Mogoljibu, known as the “foremost in miraculous powers,” and Sharibu, the “foremost in wisdom,” represent archetypes that shaped Buddhist pedagogy and visual traditions. The thangka, preserved in the museum’s collection registry, underscores regional custodianship of Buddhist heritage and offers insights into Mongolia’s transmission of canonical disciples’ cults during the late Qing to early modern era.
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