A half century ago, Mongolian wrestler J.Munkhbat won the first ever medal for his country at the World Freestyle Wrestling Championships. The championships, in which he took bronze in the 87kg category, were held in the Indian capital New Delhi from 12-14 November 1967.

In traditional Mongolian wrestling, J.Munkhbat holds the top rank of ‘Avarga’, meaning ‘giant’ or titan’, which he won with six Naadam championship triumphs (1963–1967, 1974). J.Munkhbat is also father of professional sumo wrestler ‘Hakuho’ Davaajargal, who holds the top rank of Yokozuna in the Japanese sport.