The claret flowed at Naadam’s Mongolian wrestling competition
It looked like a mismatch.
The defending champion stood in the center of a ring formed by the spectators, winner of five straight matches, 6 feet tall (1.83 metres) and over 100 kilos.
The challenger was one of the smaller men to enter the ring, around 5’9” (1.75 metres) and solidly but not massively built, maybe 85 kilos.
The men circled each other cautiously for a few moments before locking arms at the shoulders. Then began the slow, painstaking work of finding an advantage. Each man tried to work his fingers under the other’s leather vest, around the other’s belt, anywhere that would provide the leverage for a throw.
Matches begin with wrestlers grappling for better position
Of the three sporting competitions at Naadam, wrestling is the most popular and most exciting. There are no weight or age classes and no time limits – lean teenagers can compete with flabby (but large) 30-year-olds in matches that go on for half an hour or more.
The object of the match is simple: throw your opponent to the ground, making him touch down with his hand, knee, or any other part of his body. A wrestler may grab his opponent’s vest or belt, but may not grab his opponent’s legs. (Tripping is allowed.)
Getting a few fingers under the vest can be the difference between winning and losing
Ten minutes had gone by and neither man had an obvious advantage. The challenger slid his right hand around the back of the champion’s neck and tried to twist; the champion maintained balance and grasped the challenger’s right shoulder with both hands. Seeing an opening, the challenger ducked under the champion’s extended right arm and locked his arms around the champ’s waist. In an instant the larger man was off his feet, thrashing about helplessly. A yell, a throw, and the former champion was on his back in the dirt. Match over.
Head under the armpit and lift!
The defending champ extends an arm in desperation
A new champion
awesome photos thanks!