The people who stand on both sides of the Naadam’s iconic green silk wrestling stage, announcing the titles of wrestlers and boosting their confidence and spirit, are known as “zasuul”. These traditional wrestling trainers and helpers play a vital role beyond simply supporting athletes during competitions. They provide encouragement, guidance and advice while promoting the values of fair, honest and respectful wrestling. A wrestler’s relationship with their trainer is built on deep trust, with many important conversations taking place between them. Guiding wrestlers’ techniques, advising on movements and strategies, and helping them choose the right grip at critical moments may appear simple to an observer, but it is a highly demanding responsibility that requires extensive knowledge, experience and dedication. A skilled trainer must possess many talents, including a deep understanding of wrestling traditions, discipline and the character of each wrestler they support.
B.Bulgaa, a senior state trainer from Chandmani soum, Khovd Province, first became interested in calling out wrestling titles and gradually mastered this unique tradition. He learned the art and knowledge of Mongolian wrestling from D.Tsogzol, a Honored Cultural Worker and former State Wrestling Champion. Following his mentor’s teachings and advice, B.Bulgaa has dedicated himself to his profession and contributed to preserving the highest standards of wrestling ethics. Last year, the Mongolian National Wrestling Federation organized the Sixth Wrestling Caller Competition in Khovd Province, where B.Bulgaa achieved third place among the country’s top wrestling trainers. In this interview, he reflects on his decades-long dedication to Mongolian wrestling, the art of guiding champions and the traditions that define the role of trainers.
There is a saying that when wrestlers step onto the Naadam stage, the spirit of their homeland stands with them. Having spent many years alongside wrestlers in the arena, how do you personally experience and understand this connection between a wrestler and their birthplace?
Of course. When announcing a wrestler’s title, we proudly mention the name of their province and soum, giving recognition to their homeland. The belief that the mountains and waters of one’s birthplace accompany a wrestler when they step into the Naadam arena reflects an ancient tradition. It is believed that the land itself blesses the wrestler, strengthens their spirit and gives them confidence. My hometown is Chandmani soum of Khovd Province. Having grown up in the countryside and shared my childhood with friends from my generation, every visit back home brings back vivid memories that feel as though they are still present. Our soum has produced eight wrestlers who have earned national titles, making it one of the most successful wrestling regions in the province in terms of producing champions. Among them are State Elephant Ch.Byambadorj, Ch.Batzorig, B.Purevsaikhan, State Garuda N.Batzaya, State Falcon I.Munkhbaatar, Ch.Tsogbayar and B.Zayaamandakh, all of whom have gained the admiration and respect of Naadam audiences.
I first learned how to announce wrestling titles when I attended the Naadam Festival in my soum in 2008. Many wrestling trainers come from backgrounds connected to wrestling traditions, and my own journey began in 2011 when I joined the Mongolian National Wrestling Federation and started working in this honorable profession.
Every year’s Naadam brings its own unique stories, memorable moments and emotions. Among the competitions, the five-round wrestling matches are especially anticipated by spectators. From your experience as a wrestling trainer, what makes these matches so special and meaningful for both wrestlers and the audience?
When the fifth round of Naadam begins, I cannot help but feel a surge of excitement and raise my fist in celebration. It is the most thrilling moment for me, standing beside the arena and hearing the titles of national champions and lions being proudly announced from both sides of the stage. I first worked as a wrestling referee during the Naadam in 2012. That year, among the 512 wrestlers competing, P.Burentugs, a native of Davst soum, Uvs Province, earned the title of State Lion, while D.Ragchaa, a native of Bulgan soum, Arkhangai Province, who already held the rank of State Elephant, achieved the prestigious National Garuda title.
Since every wrestling rank carries its own significance, wrestlers step onto the Naadam stage with great responsibility and determination, striving to earn new titles. During the fifth round of the 2018 Naadam, Sh.Munkhbaatar from Ongon soum, Sukhbaatar Province, got announced by me and secured the National Hawk title. The audience welcomed his victory with great enthusiasm after he defeated State Champion M.Usukhbayar and fulfilled the requirements for the new rank. The cheers of the crowd showed that many had been eagerly waiting for him to achieve this milestone, as he had long been regarded as one of the wrestlers most likely to earn a national title. The most memorable moment for me was when E.Munkhjargal from Khotont soum, Arkhangai earned the National Champion title.
Over the years, you have supported many wrestlers on their journey to earning national titles. Could you share some of the most memorable moments and achievements of the wrestlers you have guided?
There are many wrestlers who compete at the annual Naadam and bring honor to their homeland by earning national titles. For this reason, wrestlers deeply respect and appreciate those who have supported their journey. There are two young promising wrestlers from Uvs Province whose achievements I particularly remember. At the Naadam in 2019, J.Nyam-Erdene earned the State Nachin title after defeating State Elephant M.Usukhbayar in the fourth round and State Elephant N.Jargalbayar in the fifth round. Similarly, at the Naadam in 2022, O.Tumen overcame State Elephant B.Purevsaikhan in the fourth round and State Elephant T.Begzsuren in the fifth round, earning the prestigious National Falcon title. He later expressed his appreciation and respect by inviting me to his Naadam celebration.
Many young people who practice wrestling later continue the tradition by becoming wrestling trainers. Was your own journey similar, and did your early involvement in wrestling inspire you to become a trainer?
I have loved watching Mongolian wrestling since I was a child. I was always fascinated by the art of announcing wrestling titles and explaining the matches, and I was able to fulfill that dream in 2012. In 2016, I participated in the Mongolian Wrestling Hall’s wrestling title announcer competition, where 148 participants competed over three days, and I finished in seventh place. Later, in 2023, I achieved fourth place among 115 title announcers. Through these experiences, I have continued to test my abilities, improve my skills and deepen my understanding of this honorable tradition.
Serving as a wrestling trainer and announcing titles is a great responsibility that requires accuracy and dedication. A mistake cannot be corrected once a title has been announced, so thorough preparation and careful attention are essential. Since wrestling titles are announced from the third round onward, many spectators come to support wrestlers from their own hometowns. By the fifth and seventh rounds, when the most important titles are announced, the arena becomes filled with people and transforms into a vibrant scene resembling a field of flowers. The proud announcements of national wrestling titles, the cheers of the archers, the excitement of horse racing fans, and the voices of children all remain in our memories until next year’s Naadam.
Every trainer has a mentor who guides and shapes their knowledge and skills. Who was your teacher, and what lessons did you learn from them that have influenced your journey as a wrestling trainer?
My teacher is D.Tsogzol, an Honored Worker of Culture. I feel honored and grateful to have learned from his knowledge, experience and talent. His dedication and contribution to Mongolian wrestling have earned him great respect and recognition. Recently, I have been training under the guidance of my younger brother, B.Tserendagva, while continuing to participate in national wrestling title announcer competitions. I am proud to be the first person from my province to become a senior state trainer and the second person from my soum to achieve this distinction. Last year, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of Chandmani soum, which brought together many local residents, relatives, brothers and friends. It was a memorable occasion filled with warm reunions and meaningful conversations. However, I recently heard that this year’s celebration has been postponed. No matter where I go, my thoughts always return to my homeland. That is why I make an effort to visit every year, take a break from my busy life, and spend peaceful time in the place where I was born and raised.
For Naadam, trainers become deeply involved in preparations, from arranging their traditional attire to supporting wrestlers in their final preparations. Could you tell us about the work and responsibilities that take place behind the scenes before the festival begins?
The person closest to a wrestler during competition is his trainer, which is why the trainer carries great responsibility. To an outsider, it may appear that the trainer is simply holding a hat and standing beside the wrestler, but in reality, the role is far more important. A trainer guides the wrestler, gives advice, suggests techniques, reminds him of strategies, and delivers the right words at the right moment. Even a few short words of encouragement can have a powerful influence on a wrestler’s performance. At the 2018 Naadam, before Sh.Munkhbaatar entered the sixth round, I encouraged him by saying, “My brother, do not be satisfied with reaching the second round. Fight with all your strength.” He went on to defeat National Champion A.Tsatsabshir and earned the title of National Champion. Earlier, at the 2016 Naadam, I guided N.Jargalbayar, who was then an Provincial Lion, through the fifth round. He defeated State Champion T.Usukh-Ireedui in the sixth round and overcame Ch.Batchuluun, who is now a State Champion, to fulfill the requirements for the higher title. I take great pride in seeing the wrestlers I have supported successfully pass the sixth round and achieve national titles. Moreover, in 2017, I promised to help Ch.Batchuluun overcome his opponent in the fifth round. I told him, “Watch carefully. It looks like he is about to use this trick. If you place your feet firmly and keep pushing forward, you can overcome him.” Following my advice, he managed to turn the match around at the crucial moment. Afterward, he hugged me and asked, “Brother, did I make it through?”
Your strength and passion for wrestling seem to come from your family background. Which side of your family do you think you inherited these qualities from?
My father was a wrestler in his youth, while my mother was tall, strong and athletic. In our hometown, there were times when horses would become frightened and run off, and my mother was known as a strong woman who could catch and restrain a horse even with an injured wrist. I believe I inherited my physical strength and athletic ability from my parents. Among my siblings, I am the tallest and the most physically active. We have three sons and one daughter. My sons are not particularly interested in wrestling, and I do not force them to practice. I believe that passion must come from within, so I respect their own interests and choices.
Naadam wrestling is always full of unexpected moments. In today’s highly developed national sport, where wrestlers are familiar with each other’s techniques and styles, what factors make the difference between victory and defeat on the wrestling stage?
Anyone who trains hard and remains dedicated can achieve the dream of earning a national title. In recent years, soum-level champions have increasingly been competing on equal terms with national champions and lions. The Mongolian wrestling arena rewards those who put in the effort and dedication.
I learned to announce wrestling titles out of my own passion and curiosity. When I watched wrestling matches at the wrestling hall, I paid close attention to the title callers. After returning home, I would imitate them and practice announcing the titles myself. This is how I gradually developed my skills. Rather than focusing only on achieving a ranking in wrestling title-calling competitions, I value the opportunity to compete alongside talented and skilled people. Taking part in these competitions has been a rare and meaningful experience in my life. At first, I felt nervous competing against professional artists who had graduated from the Mongolian State University of Arts and Culture, but over time, I recognized my own strengths, learned from others and continued to improve myself. Among wrestling trainers, I deeply respect and look up to L.Khadaa, a senior state trainer from Tuvshinshiree soum, Sukhbaatar Province. In addition to being an excellent mentor, he carries himself with discipline and sets a strong example for wrestlers. He has also contributed many years of experience to the coaching team of the Mongolian National Wrestling Federation.
Some wrestling trainers have shared that their love for wrestling began in childhood while listening to wrestling broadcasts on the radio in the sheep pastures. Was your passion for wrestling also inspired by such early experiences?
When I was a child, color televisions were rare. Like many others, I spent my days listening to the radio while tending sheep in the pasture, and that was how my love for wrestling began. When I was young, people often talked about the matches of six famous State Elephant wrestlers during Naadam. Four of them eventually went on to become State Champions. Mongolian wrestling is truly a beautiful tradition. At the 2022 Naadam, when 1,024 wrestlers competed, O.Khangai became the champion and earned the title of State Champion, while B.Orkhonbayar finished as runner-up and received the title of State Lion. It was an unforgettable Naadam. During my 15 years as a wrestling trainer, that was the moment when I felt the greatest excitement and joy. I learned that in 1940, a wrestler named Sh.Vanchinkhuu from Khovd won the national Naadam and earned the State Lion title. After 82 years, when another champion from my homeland finally emerged at the national festival, I could not hold back my emotions and shed tears of happiness. Our province and soum had waited many years to see a wrestler achieve the highest honor of becoming a State Champion. I will never forget how the audience watched the final match that year with excitement and anticipation.
Throughout my years working as a trainer, I always hoped that one day a Naadam champion would come from Khovd. For a trainer, the matches from the fifth round onward bring a special feeling. Watching a wrestler earn the State Elephant title is especially meaningful because it is awarded to those who reach the final four. It is a title every wrestler dreams of, but it is not easily achieved. There have been many Naadam festivals without a wrestler receiving the Elephant title, including last year. This shows just how difficult and competitive this level of wrestling is.
