Naadam is the most famous and interesting Mongolian national festival and attracts worldwide attention. The festival will be held on 10-13 July. The festival is traditionally termed ‘the three manly games’ which are Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery.

The games are an important part of Mongolia’s cultural heritage and little has changed over the centuries – with one visible exception: the requirement that child jockeys wear safety gear during the gruelling cross-country horse races. As Naadam is becoming better known to foreigners, there has been increasing concern from international child-protection organisations regarding the safety of the young riders. In 2017, a total of 87 child jockeys fell from their horses – six of them were disabled and two died during horse races. The Naadam Festival, held annually in July, is the largest and best known of the traditional sporting activities. However, there are many smaller ‘naadams’, which take place throughout Mongolia’s 21 provinces and around the year.

The Mongolian Cabinet banned horse races in winter until May due to the health and safety concerns for the child jockeys. In addition, children below the age of 12 are prohibited from participating in all horse races. However, it is hard to change traditions; despite the ban, the  Dunjingarav, a spring horse racing event was held in the Bayantal Soum of the Govisumber Province on 18 March. During the race, nine child jockeys fell from their horses; three of them injuring themselves.