WRESTLING WITH LIFE

 

Wrestling is the biggest sport in Mongolia and all boys grow up learning the sport.  So, of course there had to be a wrestling match the last day of YSA Conference camp.  There was much excitement building up to this day.  The doctor was required to stay for this event so he could pick up any broken pieces of bodies.

 

 The ref has his SWAT hat on and his orange waist band tight against his belly in case he has to break up any fights...and when he raises his arm the wrestling begins.

 

 Belt holding is a popular stance.  One wrestler will try to lift his opponent up by his belt so he can tip him over.  (either that or they could be having a little chat about the cute girls in the audience).

 

 Just a little more weight on that shoulder so that it touches the ground and we will have a winner.

 This winner is really excited because it was a tough match.

 Some fellas land pretty hard, but there are no sissies in this game.

Just like wild bulls going after each other, they kick up a lot of dust, roll around on the ground and get really dirty and sweaty.  I wouldn't want to kiss the victor after this match.

 

 Now this is an interesting part of the match.  The winner goes to the flag (Mongolian) and does an eagle dance. With wings spread wide he circles the flag to celebrate his victory.

These are the serious wrestlers.  They brought their wrestling costumes and can show off their many muscles.  These two men each just won their matches and are doing the eagle dance of victory.  Now they will fight each other.

 These little boys are about 4 yrs. old and after watching the big boys wrestle they decide to have a go at it.

Not knowing exactly what to do the taller boy looks up for instruction.
 

 Ok, now he's cooking with gas.  The object is to get the other little kid on the ground.

 The smaller boy puts up quite a fight.  He won't be tipped over so easily.

 Just by shear weight the bigger boy finally gets the other pinned to the ground.

  
And then my favorite part happens.  Ahhhh, the innocence of childhood.  Not understanding the fierce competition that awaits him when he's older and wanting to help his little opponent he kisses him better...

brushes him off...

and says "lets go play".