Politics
Customs Expands Detector Dog Program to 50+ Canines, Enhancing Drug and Contraband Screening
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia’s General Customs Authority is scaling up its detector dog program, training more than 50 canines from eight breeds—primarily Belgian Malinois—at its K9 Training Center to detect narcotics and prohibited goods. Dogs are conditioned using Russian-made scent simulants rather than real drugs to protect animal health and standardize training across multiple target odors. Deployment considers climate: shorter-haired breeds are assigned to southern border posts, while long-haired dogs work in colder northern crossings. The center is also rolling out satellite training hubs at major checkpoints such as Selenge and Zamyn-Uud to localize breeding and placements. At Chinggis Khaan International Airport, K9 teams operate around the clock on cargo and baggage screening, with handlers marking suspect items for follow-up inspection. Training cycles can be as short as 45 days, though multitarget imprinting is balanced to maintain detection effectiveness.
“People think we inject drugs to train dogs—that’s wrong. We use specialized methods and scent simulants with no narcotic effect to imprint eight target odors while protecting the dogs’ health.” - N. Ganbold, State Customs Inspector, Customs K9 Training Center (isee.mn)
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Democratic Party Hosts Lunar New Year Gathering, Leaders Evoke 1990 Democratic Revolution
Published: 2026-02-20
The Democratic Party (DP) held its traditional Lunar New Year reception on February 20 during the auspicious third day of the first spring month in the Year of the Fire Horse. Party chair and parliamentary caucus leader O. Tsogtgerel opened the event by invoking historical resonance with the 1990 “White Horse Year,” when nationwide protests launched Mongolia’s democratic transition. He framed 2026 as a potential pivot for renewal and reform, underscoring continuity between past democratic momentum and current political aspirations. Senior figures, members, and supporters attended, paying respects to party elders in line with holiday customs. The event signals the DP’s effort to rally support and unity at the start of an election year, positioning its narrative around democratic heritage and reformist intent.
“The Year of the Horse has often marked a starting point for change. In 1990, Mongolians united for freedom, democracy, and human rights, launching the historic Democratic Revolution—its courage and unity underpin today’s development.” - O. Tsogtgerel, Democratic Party chair (news.mn)
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Economy
Ulaanbaatar Markets and Malls Stagger Reopening After Lunar New Year Break
Published: 2026-02-20
Several key Ulaanbaatar retail hubs will resume operations starting tomorrow following the Lunar New Year closure. Opening immediately are the 100 Ail building materials shops, Altjin Bumbugur, Max Mall, 1000 Names Shopping Center, and Bileg Department Store. Other large markets will follow on a staggered schedule: Shonhor Market on February 23, Kharkhorin Market on February 24, and Narantuul Market on February 25. The phased restart is typical after Tsagaan Sar, when many wholesale and retail outlets take extended holidays. Businesses reliant on these markets—particularly construction suppliers at 100 Ail and traders sourcing from Narantuul—should plan for inventory restocking and customer traffic to normalize in stages through next week. No official statements or policy changes were announced with the reopening schedule.
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Diplomacy
Lunar New Year Gathering Held at Mongolian Embassy in London
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia’s Embassy in the UK hosted a Tsagaan Sar greeting ceremony on February 18, aligning with the first day of the lunar year of the Fire Horse. Ambassador B. Enkhsyukh, the Buddhist figure Naro Banchen, and embassy staff welcomed Mongolians living, working, and studying in Britain, along with partner organizations, for a traditional New Year reception. The event underscores the embassy’s role as a community hub for the Mongolian diaspora, reinforcing cultural continuity and networks abroad. Such gatherings typically feature formal greetings, traditional customs, and outreach to community leaders, supporting soft diplomacy and diaspora engagement. The timing—on the lunar calendar’s first day—highlights adherence to cultural protocol and offers a focal point for community connection in the UK context. No direct statements were published with the announcement.
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Infrastructure
Intercity Buses Resume Full Schedules After Lunar New Year Restrictions
Published: 2026-02-20
Authorities temporarily limited Mongolia’s interprovincial bus services over the Lunar New Year to manage holiday traffic and safety, maintaining operations on 10 near-distance routes—such as Darkhan, Khentii, Dundgovi, Tuv, and Orkhon—with 18 vehicles in service. Long-haul routes including Khovd, Govi-Altai, Uvs, Zavkhan, and Bayan-Ulgii were paused during the peak travel days. From February 20, all intercity routes return to normal timetables, restoring regular connectivity nationwide. The measures reflect standard holiday traffic controls designed to reduce congestion and accident risk, while the swift normalization limits disruption for passengers and operators. Businesses and residents reliant on road links should expect typical service levels and schedules from today, with no ongoing restrictions reported for provincial destinations.
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France’s Thales to Supply Air Traffic Control Systems under €23 Million Deal
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia signed a €23 million agreement with France’s Thales to deliver and install core systems and equipment for new regional air traffic management centers in Ulaanbaatar and Sainshand. The package includes cybersecurity enhancements and workforce training, aligning with plans to modernize civil aviation to international standards. Financing will come largely via an export credit from Bpifrance, which will cover 85% of the project, channeled through Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia. Signatories included Trade and Development Bank CEO O. Orkhon, Civil Aviation Authority’s acting director P. Ganbold, Bpifrance’s export finance director Hugues Latourette, and Thales Group VP Youzec Kurp. During the visit, Transport Minister B. Delgersaikhan met France’s DGAC chief Chems Chkioua to expand cooperation in navigation services, safety, traffic management, and training, and held cybersecurity-focused discussions with Thales Air Mobility Solutions.
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24/7 Airport Buses Now Running to Chinggis Khaan International Airport from Central Ulaanbaatar and 5 Shar
Published: 2026-02-20
Ulaanbaatar has launched round-the-clock public bus service to Chinggis Khaan International Airport, meeting international standards, according to the city’s Public Transport Policy Department. Three routes operate: H:19 (Sukhbaatar Square–Airport) and SHU:4 (Sukhbaatar Square–Airport) priced at MNT 15,000 for adults and MNT 7,000 for children, and H:20 (5 Shar–Airport) at MNT 10,000 for adults and MNT 5,000 for children. H:19 and H:20 provide daytime and evening frequencies with specified arrival and departure times at Sukhbaatar Square, 5 Shar, and the airport, while SHU:4 covers late-night/early-morning departures at 23:05 and 02:05 from Sukhbaatar Square and corresponding returns. Payments are accepted via all card types, and seats can be reserved up to three days in advance through the UBCARD app. This expands airport access and predictability for travelers and shift workers.
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Ulaanbaatar to Build 90‑Meter Pedestrian Overpass at Tavan Shar Underpass This Summer
Published: 2026-02-20
Ulaanbaatar city plans to construct and commission a 90‑meter pedestrian overpass at the Tavan Shar underpass area by summer, aiming to separate foot traffic from busy road and rail lines. The bridge will feature three access points with ramps and gentle gradients to improve accessibility for all users, including people with disabilities, seniors, parents with strollers, and cyclists. City engineers emphasize the design’s safety and comfort benefits, reflecting a broader municipal effort to reduce conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians at high‑traffic corridors. The project aligns with recent investments in multiple pedestrian overpasses at major intersections, signaling continued prioritization of traffic safety and universal access in the capital’s transport infrastructure.
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Society
Police and Internal Troops Scale Up Holiday Operations to Cut Crime and Ease Traffic
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia’s police and internal troops moved to “heightened readiness level one” during the Lunar New Year period, deploying 7,719 personnel nationwide to maintain public order, ensure safety, and manage traffic. The force composition included 2,432 foot patrol officers, 940 vehicle patrols, and 2,392 officers directing road traffic, supplemented by monitoring through 30 sub-centers and more than 10,000 cameras. In Ulaanbaatar, traffic throughput reached 11.4 million crossings across 151 intersections on the first day of the holiday, averaging 507,000 vehicle movements per hour, with no full gridlock reported. Authorities recorded no theft, fraud, or robbery cases citywide, and traffic accident calls fell by 86% compared to typical days. The scaled deployment—reportedly larger than last year by over 2,000 staff—highlights intensified crowd and mobility management during peak holiday travel and gatherings.
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Centenarian Count Reaches 166 Nationwide; Oldest Resident is 108
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia’s National Statistics Office reports 166 residents aged 100 or older as of February 13, 2026, underscoring longevity trends that may influence social services planning. The oldest documented resident is 108. Population registry data also highlight cultural naming patterns tied to the Lunar New Year: 52 individuals named “Shiniin negen,” 12 named “Tsagaan sar,” 11 named “Aduuchin,” and four named “Sarshine.” While no policy changes accompanied the update, the figures provide a snapshot useful for pension and healthcare provisioning, as well as demographic research into aging. For businesses and service providers, the centenarian cohort—though small—signals the importance of geriatric care, age-friendly infrastructure, and tailored community support programs as overall life expectancy and the senior population gradually rise.
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Lunar New Year Observed in Spring, Rooted in Centuries-Old Tradition
Published: 2026-02-20
A Montsame feature explains that Mongolia’s Lunar New Year, Tsagaan Sar, is celebrated in spring, tracing its practice to early chronicles and ritual custom. The article cites V. Injinaash’s “Blue Chronicle,” which notes that in 1207—during the Year of the Red Rabbit—Chinggis Khaan performed purification rites and greeted his mother at dawn, a reference used to frame the holiday’s timing and ethos. Historically, households prepare for weeks by repairing animal pens, deep-cleaning homes, and sewing new clothing to symbolically enter the year free of debt and misfortune. Sources also describe earlier shamanic-era observances and enduring motifs of “whiteness”: white horses, white garments, ceremonial white scarves, and dairy foods as emblems of harmony, openness, and nonviolence, reflected in the open-palm greeting. No direct statements from named individuals are included.
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Opinion Piece Calls for Defending Mongolian Language and Metric System in Consumer Markets and Early Education
Published: 2026-02-20
An Eagle.mn commentary argues that Mongolia should reinforce the use of the metric system and protect Mongolian language use in media and daily life. The author criticizes major cake producers for labeling products in inches rather than centimeters despite Mongolia’s official adoption of the metric system since 1931, framing it as an unnecessary drift toward foreign norms. The piece also warns that young children increasingly consume English-language content at home, which could erode Mongolian language acquisition before school age, even as English is formally introduced from third grade by law. Citing China’s approach to localizing brand names as a model of linguistic protection, the author urges government agencies, businesses, and parents to prioritize Mongolian-language standards and media to maintain cultural and linguistic resilience.
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Erdenet Leaders Offer Sand Mandala on Lunar New Year’s Day to Bless the Year
Published: 2026-02-20
Orkhon Province officials in Erdenet marked the first day of the Lunar New Year by offering a ceremonial sand mandala, a practice intended to bless the community for prosperity and good fortune in the new cycle, known locally as the Fire Horse year. The event, held annually on the first day of Tsagaan Sar, centers on prayers for the fulfillment of residents’ “nine white wishes,” symbolizing well‑being, harmony, and success. Saraiidorj Nomun Khan conducted religious services at the Gandan Shaddüvlin Monastery, the local center of Buddhist worship, drawing worshippers ahead of and during the holiday. While cultural in nature, the ceremony underscores the close ties between provincial authorities and Buddhist institutions, reflecting the social role of religious observances in community cohesion and public life in Erdenet.
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Lunar New Year Traditions Spotlight Strategy Games and Horsemanship, Avoid Winter Races
Published: 2026-02-20
An article highlights traditional games played during Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) from the first to the eighth day of the new lunar month, emphasizing cultural values and seasonal norms. Children typically race “foals” using ankle bones, while adults play games like shagai-shüürekh and the “Twelve Challenging” wrestling-style contests. Intellectual competitions include four tiers of the “Buga” game. In the 1890s, a local noble in present-day Bayankhongor reportedly banned gambling-style games and promoted a cooperative 62-piece wooden card game called “Takhil,” reflecting moral instruction. Huvsgul communities historically favored symbolic board games such as “Khorlo” and “Perfect Bliss,” once banned during the socialist era and now being researched. In Khentii, a distinctive horsemanship contest called “baadai avakh” tested speed and stamina, but traditional norms discouraged winter horse racing, aligning with beliefs that competitive riding begins only after early summer when “heaven’s gate” is open.
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Lunar New Year Name Stats List One Person Named “Shiniingurvan” in Mongolia
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia’s Household Database reports niche name trends tied to Lunar New Year traditions. As of February 13, 524 citizens are named “Mongoljin,” while uniquely traditional or festive names—“Airag,” “Khul,” “Khuurug,” “Shiniingurvan,” and “Shiniinnaiman”—are each held by a single individual. The snapshot, released during the Lunar New Year period, underscores how seasonal customs influence naming choices, with rare ceremonial terms—such as khuurug (snuff bottle) and numbers significant in lunar calendars—appearing in official records. The data highlight cultural continuity within modern civil registries and offer a glimpse into how heritage-linked names persist, albeit in very small numbers, alongside more popular contemporary names like Mongoljin. No direct statements from officials were included in the article.
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Tenth Jebtsundamba Khutughtu Delivers First Public Teaching at Gandantegchinlen Monastery
Published: 2026-02-20
On the second day of the Lunar New Year, the Tenth Jebtsundamba Khutughtu, head of Mongolian Buddhism, delivered his first formal teaching at Gandantegchinlen Monastery’s Battsagaan assembly hall. Monks had formally requested the initial discourse, marking a significant step in his public religious leadership since being recognized as the spiritual head of the tradition. The event, aligned with a propitious date in the lunar calendar, drew clergy who paid respects and offered prayers for the Khutughtu’s long life and the flourishing of the Dharma. While primarily ceremonial, the gathering underscores the Jebtsundamba’s role in guiding the Buddhist community and reaffirms Gandantegchinlen’s central position in religious life. No additional details on future teachings or public programs were provided.
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Lunar Calendar Guidance for Feb. 20 Highlights Favorable Times for Contracts and Weddings
Published: 2026-02-20
The Mongolian lunar calendar identifies Feb. 20 (Friday) as a “blue ox day” associated with the “Snake Holder” constellation. Sunrise and sunset are 07:50 and 18:22. The day is considered auspicious for reconciliation, launching joint work, signing contracts, holding weddings, arranging engagements and dowries, purchasing precious items, performing nature-offering rituals, trading livestock, and setting up a ger. It is unfavorable for constructing ponds. Those born in the years of the Rooster and Snake are viewed as having favorable conditions for activities today, while Tiger and Rabbit year-born individuals are advised to exercise caution. Auspicious hours fall during Tiger, Rabbit, Snake, Monkey, Dog, and Pig periods. Travelers are advised to set their course to the northwest. Haircuts or trims are believed to bring prosperity in livestock and wealth.
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Environment
Severe Cold and Blizzards Forecast Across Much of Mongolia from Feb 20–24; Ulaanbaatar to See Snow and High Winds
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia’s weather agency warns of a multi‑day cold snap with widespread snow, blizzards, and dangerous winds affecting most regions from February 20–24. Snow and blowing snow are forecast today across western and central provinces, expanding on Feb 21 to central, Gobi, and eastern regions, with visibility reductions, icy roads, and intermittent dust storms in the south. Peak winds could reach 18–24 m/s in Gobi and mountain passes. Temperatures will plunge Feb 21–24: valleys in Uvs, Darkhad, and the headwaters of Zavkhan, Zag–Baidrag, Ider, Tes, and Yeruu may see night lows of -36 to -41°C, daytime -25 to -30°C; other mountain and river basins will face -21 to -26°C daytime highs. Ulaanbaatar will be cloudy with snow and blowing snow today, winds up to 12–14 m/s, around 0 to -2°C. Zavkhan reported snow cover of 10–20 cm in multiple soums this morning, with authorities urging limited travel and precautions for herders and drivers.
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Citywide Pre-Lunar New Year Cleanup Removes 2,514 Tons of Waste Across Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-02-20
Ulaanbaatar authorities organized a citywide cleanup ahead of Lunar New Year across all nine districts, mobilizing 7,177 businesses and 89 government agencies with a combined 34,343 staff. Crews cleaned 8.3 million square meters of public space and removed 2,514 tons of waste, indicating a large-scale operational push to improve urban hygiene before peak holiday travel and commerce. The effort also targeted public amenities: 115 bus stops, 346 trash bins, 474 traffic signs and markings, 271 benches, and 7,005 meters of barriers were washed and refreshed, alongside one monument. For businesses and residents, the drive suggests short-term improvements in street cleanliness and transit stop usability, while signaling the municipality’s emphasis on coordinated maintenance ahead of high-traffic festivities.
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Audit Finds Widespread Non-Compliance in Western Mongolia’s Mining Projects
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia’s State Environmental Inspectorate reported extensive violations among mining operators in Bayan-Ölgii, Khovd, Uvs, and Gobi-Altai following a multi-agency compliance sweep tied to Government Resolution A/184 (Dec 3). Of 236 sites checked, 33% operated without a detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA), 22% failed to meet EIA conditions, 44% did not approve annual environmental management plans on time, and 34% excavated mineral resources without authorization. Inspectors also flagged operations lacking water-use contracts or compliance, unlicensed use of chemicals, missing chemical accounting, improper disposal of oils and lubricants, and inadequate hazardous-waste handling. Officials said the root cause is the absence of internal compliance systems across project operators. Authorities have ordered firms to prepare EIAs, approve management plans, and improve reporting, while providing guidance and hosting an online forum on chemicals, soil contamination, rehabilitation, and water use.
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President Proclaims Khuvsgul Lake a State-Sanctified Site During Lunar New Year Address
Published: 2026-02-20
President U. Khurelsukh formally announced that Khuvsgul Lake has been designated as a state-sanctified site, marking the first time a lake in Mongolia receives this status. The proclamation was delivered in his Lunar New Year greeting, which also highlighted the 820th anniversary of the Great Mongol Empire and a decree to sanctify Khar Zurkh Mountain, where the title “Chinggis Khaan” was first invoked.
“To conserve our life-giving waters and protect their sources, I am pleased to announce that Mother Sea Khuvsgul Lake, the origin of Central Asia’s surface fresh water that has sustained all life on our land, is now a state-sanctified site” - President U. Khurelsukh (montsame.mn)
Khuvsgul is among the world’s oldest lakes (about 2 million years), holding 381 km³ of water—approximately 0.4% of global freshwater—and is Mongolia’s deepest and largest by volume. The designation underscores rising national emphasis on water conservation and cultural heritage protection.
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Innovation
Education Ministry Advances “Safe Network” Program to Tackle Cyberbullying and Youth Violence
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia’s Education Ministry is launching a long-term national program, “Safe Network,” to address bullying, cyberbullying, and sexual violence among students as online abuse escalates and becomes harder to trace. Following consultations with civil society leaders Ch. Ganzhavkhlan (Human Network) and O. Ulamsaikhan (Noorog Academy), the initiative will move on four tracks: drafting a law to regulate social media participation for children under 16 and submitting it to Parliament; creating a national “Safe Network” platform; integrating digital safety, empathy, respect, responsibility, and mental health content into school curricula; and piloting an “E-police” mechanism with parent involvement. Citing international research covering 266,000 children and local data showing 32.1% of adolescents attempted self-harm at least once, the ministry positions the program as a systemic, multi-year policy to foster safe, respectful learning environments. No implementation timeline or budget details were disclosed.
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Health
Measles outbreak reaches 14,236 cases; 10–14 age group most affected
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia’s measles outbreak continues into its 365th day, with total confirmed cases rising to 14,236 nationwide as seven new infections were recorded—six in Ulaanbaatar and one in the provinces. According to the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD), 54 patients are currently hospitalized (30 in the capital and 24 in rural regions), while nine are receiving home-based care. Children aged 10–14 account for the largest share with 5,217 cases, followed by 0–4-year-olds with 3,437 cases. Health authorities emphasize that measles is highly contagious but preventable through vaccination, urging those who missed their shots to get vaccinated. The sustained caseload and concentration among school-aged children indicate ongoing transmission in educational settings, underscoring the importance of catch-up immunization and school-based prevention measures for the remainder of the winter season.
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23 Children Ring ‘Recovery Bell’ After Completing Cancer Treatment at National Center
Published: 2026-02-20
On International Childhood Cancer Day, the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (EKhEMÜT) marked its eighth annual celebration honoring children who have overcome cancer. Twenty-three patients completed treatment and took part in the tradition of ringing a recovery bell and receiving gold medals, signaling transition to post-treatment life and follow-up care. Hospital director J. Otgonbaatar emphasized the importance of holistic support beyond medicine in achieving recovery and credited the dedication of medical staff.
“Cancer is overcome not only with medication but with psychological, social support, and care. Many children have opened a new chapter in life, thanks to the persistence of our medical teams.” - J. Otgonbaatar, Director of EKhEMÜT (unuudur.mn)
In a significant development for domestic care, Mongolia performed its first pediatric stem cell transplant for leukemia in December. The center aims to eliminate the need for 6–8 children annually to seek this procedure abroad by 2030, signaling increased capacity and potential cost savings for families and the health system.
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Post-Tsagaan Sar Eating Plan Recommends 24-Hour Reset for Digestive Relief
Published: 2026-02-20
Peak News outlines a 24-hour regimen to ease digestive strain after Tsagaan Sar’s heavy foods such as buuz, bansh, and sweets. The plan advises starting the morning with 1–2 cups of warm water to stimulate gut motility, followed by 10–20 minutes of light movement. Breakfast should be light and fiber-forward (oatmeal, yogurt, fruit, or vegetable soup), avoiding fried foods and coffee on an empty stomach. Lunch emphasizes balance and easy digestion: vegetable-rich soup, small portions of steamed or boiled meat, and whole grains, with steady hydration (water, green tea, seabuckthorn juice) and a short post-meal walk. Dinner remains light—yogurt, salads, vegetable soup, modest fruit—and herbal teas (mint, fennel, chamomile) to reduce bloating. A pre-sleep routine—warm shower, gentle stretching, reduced screen time—supports 7–8 hours of quality sleep for metabolic recovery.
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Sports
MP M. Narantuya-Nara Draws Criticism for Sitting in Front of National Sports Hero at Lunar New Year Wrestling
Published: 2026-02-20
Public backlash erupted after Member of Parliament M. Narantuya-Nara and her husband were seated in front of Labor Hero Zeveg Oidov during the Lunar New Year eve wrestling tournament at the Mongolian Wrestling Palace on February 17. The event, a marquee holiday fixture attended by prominent figures, concluded with State Zaan T. Lkhagvagerel winning and Grand Champion O. Khangai finishing second. Social media users questioned VIP seating practices for lawmakers and their guests, arguing decorated athletes deserve priority. One commenter wrote:
“Stop giving MPs honorary and VIP seats. They should buy their own tickets. What merit does MP Narantuya-Nara’s husband have to sit in front of Labor Hero Zeveg Oidov?” - Social media user (isee.mn)
Oidov, a two-time freestyle wrestling world champion, Olympic silver medalist, and renowned coach, is widely regarded as a 20th-century sporting icon in Mongolia, intensifying public sensitivity to perceived protocol slights.
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Ariunbat Finishes 38th in Slalom as Mongolia Concludes Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Campaign
Published: 2026-02-20
Mongolia wrapped up its participation at the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, fielding two cross-country skiers and, for the first time, an alpine skier. International master A. Ariunbat debuted in men’s slalom at Bormio’s Stelvio Ski Centre, posting 1:16.86 on the first run (43rd) and 1:13.16 on the second, placing 38th overall with a combined 2:30.02. The event saw heavy attrition: of 96 starters, two were disqualified on the first run and 50 did not finish, while only 39 of 44 qualifiers completed the second run—highlighting the course’s difficulty even for athletes from traditionally strong skiing nations like the U.S., Italy, Austria, France, and Sweden. Mongolia’s competitions are officially complete; the team will attend the closing ceremony in Cortina on February 22 before returning home.
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Hakuho Launches Global Sumo Push, Targets Olympic Inclusion with Women’s Events and Youth League
Published: 2026-02-20
Yokozuna legend M. Davaajargal (Hakuho) is spearheading a bid to globalize sumo and meet Olympic criteria by expanding women’s participation and building international youth pathways. His World Sumo League concept and the “Hakuho Cup” in Tokyo drew 1,300 youth from 19 countries, including 350 girls—key to satisfying the IOC’s gender requirement. He argues the Japan Sumo Association must confront declining participation and better retain champions as mentors.
“I should repay sumo from the outside, not from within,” - M. Davaajargal (urug.mn)
“Luck comes to those who work,” - M. Davaajargal (urug.mn)
Hakuho is also diversifying through “Hakuho Dayan,” promoting sumo globally, leading a major sake company, and co-investing in a film, while planning “Haku Academy” training programs. He frames his mission as a cultural bridge between Mongolia and Japan and sees Olympic inclusion as a near-term possibility.
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Orkhon Lunar New Year Wrestling Crown Goes to Aimag Khurts Arslan Ö. Sükhbat
Published: 2026-02-20
At the Lunar New Year wrestling tournament in Orkhon, 64 wrestlers with national and provincial titles competed at the “Khangaard” Sports Complex on the eve of Tsagaan Sar. Ö. Sükhbat, a provincial “khurts arslan” (fierce arslan) from Mogod, Bulgan, won the championship, while provincial arslan B. Batsaikhan from Arkhangai finished runner-up. Provincial arslan L. Dorjsüren of Aldarkhaan, Zavkhan, and military nachin N. Munkh-Yondon reached the semifinals. In the youth division featuring 32 wrestlers, national shonkhor R. Omar took first place, and provincial shonkhor N. Renchin placed second. The event underscores the cultural prominence of traditional wrestling during Tsagaan Sar, a key component of Mongolia’s festive season and regional sporting identity.
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Arts
Author G. Ayurzana Urges Fresh Reading of the Secret History of the Mongols as Penguin Classics Edition Raises Global Profile
Published: 2026-02-20
Celebrated writer G. Ayurzana argues that the Secret History of the Mongols (SHM) deserves a global literary standing on par with major world texts, emphasizing renewed textual editing—punctuation and layout without altering words—to clarify meanings obscured by medieval script conventions. He contends the core narrative likely crystallized by 1228, shortly after Chinggis Khan’s death, and that SHM encodes Mongol ethical norms comparable in civilizational role to the Bible in the West. Ayurzana welcomes Christopher Atwood’s Penguin Classics translation as validation of SHM’s literary stature, while urging Mongolians to diversify interpretations beyond a single canonical reading. He links Mongolia’s historical cosmopolitanism to SHM’s intertextuality and calls for cultural policy that protects language and heritage as strategic assets amid pressures in Inner Mongolia and diaspora communities.
“I decided to devote the rest of my life to ensuring the Secret History reaches its rightful place in humanity’s intellectual world and receives the respect it deserves” - Writer G. Ayurzana (montsame.mn)
“We must re-edit the text—without changing the words—using punctuation and spacing so modern readers grasp its true meanings” - Writer G. Ayurzana (montsame.mn)
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