The Mongolian community in Arlington celebrated 91 years of
independence from Manchurian rule on Sunday, July 8 at Barcroft Park. The
celebration, known as Naadam, highlights traditional Mongolian culture through
the three games of archery, horse back riding, and wrestling.

“The three manly games are symbols of the Mongolian state,”
said Iveelt Tsog, a member of the board with the Washington D.C. Area Mongolian
Community Organization. “We demonstrate strength and agility to celebrate our
Independence Day.”

Due to practical limitations, not all of the games are
feasible in Arlington. Archery is not something organizers were able to
entertain this year, nor was horse racing a possibility. Mongolian wrestling,
however, was front and center and boasted 32 participants this year.

The rules for Mongolian wrestling are simple: the
first person to touch the ground loses. Coming out on top as the winner,
however, takes skill, as wrestlers are interlocked with each other from the
beginning.

 “Traditional
Mongolian wrestling is intricate; the bigger and more powerful do not always
win,” said Tsog. “You grapple and force each other to lose balance, you also
depend on your opponent’s support.”

Mongolian wrestling matches are not timed,
and the full event often takes several hours. High-ranking champions from
previous years select their opponents, which places beginners at a
disadvantage. In Mongolian wrestling the most skilled players compete amongst
each other last, extending the enjoyment of the crowd.

Although it is an honor to participate in
the wrestling matches, only the victor is permitted to showcase his manliness
by holding an eagle posture, with arms pointed out like wings, while parading
the field.

Second place finisher Ugi Khishignyam, who
arrived from Mongolia last year, made a strong showing, and looks to compete
again in the future. “It was my first competition, and I still came in second
place,” said Khishignyam. “It feels good but I’m going to practice, and I’m
going to win next year.”

Other Naadam activities included Mongolian
dancing, music, and shamanist costumes. Traditional Mongolian fare was also
popular with the crowd, as some waited in line for an hour to eat huushuur, a
pancake with meat filling.

 “It’s
traditional to eat for Naadam, traditional food is the one great reason to
come,” said Muugi Tseyeljay, a Mongolian who recently completed his U.S.
citizenship interview.

While the heat soared into the triple
digits during the festivities on Sunday, organizers were quick to note the July
celebration is a point of pride for the Mongolian community. “It’s an annual
event, and there’s a lot of pride to participate,” said Tsog. “It’s wonderful
to showcase our culture and be a part of Arlington.”