Abstract - Naadam – Mongolian contest or ritual
Introduction. The aim of the article is to present traditional Mongolian sport contest erijn gurwan naadam, taking place during Naadam holiday which is, on one hand, an entertainment and on the other performs ritual functions. Naadam is a traditional holiday observed already in Genghis Khan times. It is one of the most respected Mongolian cultural riches.
Survey of disciplines. Nowadays Naadam is treated more like sport contest than a ceremony. However, a lot has remained of the ancient symbolism, archaic ceremonial and magic. The three games are: wrestling, archery and horse – racing.
Wrestling is one of the more popular disciplines, the sport exclusively for men, somewhat resembling sumo. Wrestling combat is carried on in a cup system with no weight categories and the winner goes on fighting. In archery women also have the right to compete, they get 20 arrows while men get 40. The competitors shoot at sur, plaited leather baskets; in the central place there are red baskets awarded best points. Horse – racing is the most exciting sport for Mongolian people. Little horses and peculiar wooden saddles do not make riding easy for not trained people.
Conclusion. Naadam carried out in its specific atmosphere realizes, in accordance with the theory of games and motor games, all necessary stages: preparation, organization, realization and completion. Naadam complies with all the requirements of both recreation and sport. It is also a wonderful, full of symbolism ritual, uniting the people of Mongolia.