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Mongolia Daily: Naadam ends 22:30, Crews drain stadium, Rivers flood, and Free shuttles run

MongoliaDaily

Diplomacy

State Visit Strengthens Mongolia–South Korea Strategic Partnership with 21 New Agreements

Published: 2026-07-12

South Korean President Lee Jae-myeong and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung concluded a state visit to Ulaanbaatar at the invitation of President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, marking the first head-of-state visit in 15 years. The leaders reaffirmed ties grounded in shared values and issued a Joint Declaration to expand their 2021 “Strategic Partnership.” Governments and agencies signed 21 documents covering health, education, environment, food and agriculture, information technology, culture and sports, tourism, transport and logistics, geology, critical minerals, and urban development. Both sides highlighted deeper political trust and people-to-people links, with the delegation attending the National Naadam Festival opening. The visit underscores an intent to scale practical cooperation across priority sectors and platforms regionally and internationally. Mongolia and South Korea established diplomatic relations on March 26, 1990, advancing partnership levels in 2006, 2011, and 2021.

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Infrastructure

Free Shuttle Buses Connect Central Stadium and Khui Doloon Khudag During Naadam

Published: 2026-07-12

Ulaanbaatar’s Public Transport Authority will operate enhanced services for Naadam, deploying 959 buses across 139 routes. Two dedicated shuttle lines to Khui Doloon Khudag will be free: Khui7:1 (Central Stadium–Khui Doloon Khudag) and Khui7:2 (Mongolian National University of Education–Khui Doloon Khudag). Both run from 06:30 to 00:00, departing from the east side of Ulaanbaatar Hotel and the west parking area of the Central Stadium. Within the city on July 12, short-loop routes BE:1 and BE:2 will offer free service from Dunjingarav and Misheel City to the Central Stadium, stopping at all intermediate stops to facilitate transfers, with other routes also serving these terminals. The measures aim to ease congestion and improve access to the main Naadam venues. Timetables have been published by the authority.

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Society

Naadam Final Day Schedule Sets Evening Closure at 22:30 After Horse Races and Wrestling Finals

Published: 2026-07-12

Naadam’s July 12 program centers on traditional horse racing and wrestling, concluding with a 22:30–23:00 closing ceremony at the National Stadium. The soolon (five-year-old) race runs 07:00–11:00 at Khui Doloon Khudag, followed by the daaga (foal) race 12:00–16:00. National wrestling advances from the fourth round at 09:00 through to the finals late evening, with President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh scheduled to confer state titles and awards to wrestlers and top archery and knuckle-bone competitors at set intervals. Cultural events, including a large-scale “Eternally Enduring Naadam” performance, bracket the sporting program; over 13,000 artists and organizers participated across events. Organizers reported brisk demand: opening and closing tickets sold out online within 30 minutes, while evening show seats were priced MNT 50,000–80,000. Expect heavy footfall around the National Stadium and Khui Doloon Khudag during transitions between rounds and ceremonies.

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Pickpocket Reports Surface at Naadam Venues as Police Step Up Security

Published: 2026-07-12

Police recorded five reports of belongings lost from pockets and backpacks at the Central Stadium on July 11, prompting renewed vigilance advisories during the Naadam festivities. Authorities said that, as of July 12, a total of 10 criminal cases and 46 violations were registered at the Central Stadium and Khui Doloon Khudag, including two pickpocket cases that day; three pickpocket incidents have been logged since July 10. Multiple outlets report police have deployed across 18 units with 753 officers, while separate figures detail larger site-specific deployments.

“At the Central Stadium, 713 officers, and at Khui Doloon Khudag, 841 officers are fulfilling protection and regulation duties,” - D. Munkhkhuyag, Deputy Colonel, General Police Department (news.mn)

“We advise citizens in crowded public areas to remain alert and safeguard phones, wallets, and valuables,” - E. Nyamaa, Colonel, Head of the Anti-Pickpocketing Unit (ikon.mn)

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Environment

Emergency crews pump floodwater at Central Stadium as Ulaanbaatar steps up Naadam rain response

Published: 2026-07-12

Heavy rain early July 11 caused water to pool around the National Central Stadium during Naadam, prompting rapid pumping and broader flood‑prevention measures citywide. Ulaanbaatar Mayor B. Purevdagva said teams are restoring conditions within roughly 60–90 minutes in high‑risk areas and urged patience as disinfection and prevention continue over the three festival days. More than 20 rescue staff with six units of equipment are deployed at the stadium, with additional teams at Khui Doloon Khudag and along rivers. Officials reported 32 emergency calls by 14:00 and elevated readiness, with over 80% of personnel and 60+ vehicles on duty, plus boat patrols at eight Tuul River sites. The national weather service forecasts further rain over the next two days, and agencies including the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority are coordinating.

“We are pumping pooled rainwater around the Central Stadium within 60–90 minutes to normalize conditions; please be patient as our teams work to ensure a safe, dry festival.” - Ulaanbaatar Mayor B. Purevdagva (ikon.mn)

“Enhance oversight at flood‑risk sites, ensure engineering facilities are ready, and respond swiftly to safeguard public safety.” - D. Ikhbayar, Chair of the Ulaanbaatar City Council (zarig.mn)

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Rivers Top Flood Stage after Heavy Rains; Caution Urged along Tuul, Selbe, Kharaa

Published: 2026-07-12

Heavy rainfall across much of the country has pushed several rivers above flood stage by 2–47 cm on July 12. Reported hotspots include the Uur River near Tsagaan-Uur; Selbe River around Sanzai resort; Khalkh River near Sumber and Yalalt bag; Kharaa River by Darkhan city; Khovd River at Myangad; Tuul River near Lun; and Sugnugur River by Sugnugur resort. Meteorological updates also note rain in parts of Bayan-Ulgii, Uvs, Umnugovi, Zavkhan, Tuv, and Dornod aimags, plus Ulaanbaatar’s Baganuur district, with fog in several Khovsgol soums. Authorities advise avoiding riverbanks, supervising children, and not entering floodwaters. Travelers, construction crews near waterways, and logistics operators should anticipate localized disruptions, heightened erosion risk, and temporary road hazards in river valleys and low-lying areas until levels recede.

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Innovation

First Central Hospital to Introduce AI-Powered Endoscopy System in Mongolia

Published: 2026-07-12

The First Central Hospital of Mongolia (FCHM) has begun implementing the country’s first artificial intelligence-enabled endoscopy platform in partnership with South Korea’s CAIMI. Hospital leaders met CAIMI representatives on the 26th to confirm installation readiness for the company’s patented system, which supports gastrointestinal endoscopy, including stomach examinations. The technology is designed to rapidly detect gastrointestinal abnormalities with high precision and flag potential early-stage cancers, aiming to shorten diagnostic timelines. Automated image processing and analysis are expected to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce workloads for clinicians. The initiative aligns with efforts to modernize care to international standards and could enhance early cancer detection capabilities, a persistent health challenge in the region. No launch date was disclosed, but preparatory work for installation is reported complete.

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Health

Health Services Set Holiday Schedule with 45 Emergency Teams for Naadam Festivities

Published: 2026-07-12

Ulaanbaatar’s Health Department announced uninterrupted medical services during the Naadam holiday. From July 12–19, surgical, trauma, internal medicine, pediatrics, and dental cabinets at district health centers and the city’s Dental and Maxillofacial Center will operate 10:00–15:00. Family health centers will follow zoned schedules in the same hours. A coordination hotline (7799-0101, extensions 1–4) runs July 10–19, 09:00–21:00. Emergency aid points are active at the National Stadium and Khui Doloon Khudag. Hygiene and infection-control inspections continue across food and service venues, with 83 specialists assigned. The department has deployed 45 emergency teams citywide, including eight at Khui Doloon Khudag, and reported a calm start to celebrations.

“As of today, festivalgoers have not required urgent medical care and celebrations are peaceful.” - N. Naranbaatar, Head of the Capital City Health Department (ikon.mn)

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Sports

Orkhonbayar Wins Naadam Wrestling, Secures Dayan Avarga Title with 10 Straight Victories

Published: 2026-07-12

Selenge’s B. Orkhonbayar won the National Naadam wrestling tournament, defeating B. Bat-Ulzii in the final to reach 10 wins and receive the Dayan Avarga title by presidential decree. Bat-Ulzii, who beat defending champion E. Batmagnai in the quarters and prevailed over Grand Champion N. Batsuuri in the semis, finished with nine wins and was promoted to Ulsin Arslan. Earlier rounds saw major upsets, including Grand Champion O. Khangai’s fourth-round exit. The tournament produced 17 new Ulsin Nachin, six new Ulsin Khartsaga, and three new Ulsin Zaan, with M. Lkhagvagerel and B. Bat-Ulzii both elevated to Ulsin Gardi before the semis. Promotions followed 2023 amendments to the Naadam Law that award higher ranks for nine- and 10-win performances in 1,024-wrestler brackets.

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New Champions Crowned at Naadam Archery and Knuckle‑Shooting Tournaments

Published: 2026-07-12

National Archery at the Naadam festival concluded with H. Boldbaatar of the Monde team winning the men’s event with 38 points to earn the Dayan Mergen rank (two-time Naadam champion). In women’s competition, S. Togookhuu of the Aldar sports club topped the field with 38 points to attain the State Mergen title, while N. Bazarragchaa met the threshold for the State “Gots Kharvaach” (third place). Organizers reported 850 archers competing over four days across National, Buryat, and Uriankhai disciplines, with podiums decided largely on identical top scores and tie-breaks. In Buryat archery, N. Altantulga led the men (47), and B. Ganchimeg the women (46). Uriankhai men’s gold went to E. Bumbayar (25). Youth titles were also awarded in boys and girls categories. Separately, in adult team knuckle-shooting (shagai), the “Nomt Danshig” squad captained by B. Battulga took first place among 106 teams (848 shooters).

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UN-Backed World Horse Day Launches at Khui Doloon Khudag with Presidential Race

Published: 2026-07-12

The first official celebration of UN-recognized World Horse Day will open at 11:00 on July 13, 2026, at Khui Doloon Khudag, highlighting Mongolia’s initiative to elevate nomadic equestrian culture on a global stage. Coinciding with the annual Horse Trainers’ Day held after Naadam, this year’s program features a President’s Cup international horse race over 22–24 km from 07:00 to 10:30. Organizers frame the event as a showcase of the enduring human–horse relationship and a platform to promote nomadic civilization and Mongolian heritage to international audiences. The alignment with Naadam festivities is expected to draw strong domestic and foreign attention, creating a focal point for cultural diplomacy and tourism. Event details and schedules are available via the official Naadam portal (enaadam.mn).

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National Leaders Attend Khui Doloon Khudag as Umnugovi Horse Wins Soyolon

Published: 2026-07-12

President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Speaker Sandagiin Byambatsogt, and Prime Minister Nyam-Osoryn Uchral attended the soyolon horse race at Khui Doloon Khudag during the National Naadam Festival. The soyolon title went to the bold halzan horse trained by Choijilyn Batjargal of Tsogttsetsii soum, Umnugovi Province, from the “Shankhyn Unagan Buyan” camp. Later, the leaders visited the “Baga Uuliin Unaga” camp, whose trainer Namdagyn Khurlee’s sharga stallion captured this year’s stallion race. Their joint appearance highlights the ceremonial role of top officials at Naadam and the prominence of Khui Doloon Khudag’s races in preserving and showcasing equestrian traditions. No policy announcements were made, but the visits underscored cultural recognition for trainers and racing communities from Umnugovi and beyond.

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Chestnut Roan Soyolon from Tsogttsetsii Wins Naadam Five‑Year‑Old Race

Published: 2026-07-12

At the National Naadam Festival celebrating key state anniversaries, the five‑year‑old (soyolon) horse race finished with Ch. Batjargal’s chestnut roan from Tsogttsetsii, Umnugovi taking first. G. Ariunbold’s piebald from Darkhan sum, Darkhan-Uul placed second; B. Norovsambuu’s bay from Zuungovi, Uvs was third; Enkhbold’s dapple gray from Chuluut, Arkhangai took fourth; and Ch. Ulambayar’s dapple gray from Zaamar, Tuv finished fifth. Reports differ on field size, citing either 162 or 231 starters, reflecting typical variances in live race tallies across outlets. The soyolon division is among Naadam’s marquee events, drawing nationwide stables and significant betting interest informally around the track, with placements closely watched by breeders and owners for future stud and sale values.

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