Mongolia seizes five medals on Day 1 at Asian Judo Championship

The Asian Judo Championships 2015 kicked off on May 13 in Kuwait city of Kuwait.
On Day 1 of tournament, Mongolian judokas won one gold, two silver and two bronze medals.
International Sport Master Ts.Munkhzaya won the women’s 63 kg event. At the final round, she defeated bronze medalist of the Tokyo Judo Grand Slam Nishikawa Maho with waza-ari.
Ts.Munkhzaya’s shoulder was dislocated during the final round, but she finished the event with a gold medal.
World Champion M.Urantsetseg fought in the women’s 48 kg event and won a silver medal. She beat a South Korea judoka with yuko at the semi-final round. She lost to Haruna Asami of Japan in the gold medal match.
M.Bundmaa won silver in the women’s 52 kg event. She faced Turkmenistan’s Gulbadam Babamuratova and won with yuko at the semi-final. At the final round, she lost to Chinese judoka Yingnan Ma.
International Sports Master D.Tumurkhuleg, who fought in the men’s 66 kg category, defeated a Ukrainian judoka in the semi-final and captured a bronze medal.
Judoka G.Odbayar fought in the men’s 73 kg event and won a bronze medal. He lost to South Korean judoka An Chang Rim and beat Hong Kuk Hyon of South Korea in the bronze medal match.
Japan is currently leading the tournament with its medal tally, followed by South Korea and Mongolia. The Asian Judo Championships attracted 210 judokas from 31 countries. The championship will end today.

Source:http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/

A melody of imagination and color

Artist and Director of Blue Moon Art Gallery E.Temuge is presenting a solo exhibition called “Melody” at Blue Moon Art Gallery. The exhibition includes over 30 paintings and is on view through May 21.
E.Temuge graduated from the Mongolian State University of Culture and Art, majoring in monument art and decoration in 2013. She creates her work in mixed media.
Her work has been included in the group exhibitions “Golden Brush”, “Grand Art”, “Flowers”, “Modern and Installation”, “Woman Artists”, “Spring”, “WE”, and “2014-Member Artists Exhibition”.
“Melody” is her first solo exhibition. Over two years ago she presented a joint exhibition with her mother. She said that she is really happy that this time she is coming up with her own solo work.
“Everything has its melody. For example, if I were a musician or a composer, I would use notes to describe my melody. If I were a poet, I would use words to describe my melody. I am an artist, so the way I am showing my melody is using colors, brushes and painting,” E.Temuge said.
The theme of the exhibition relates to nature and its beauty. “We get and feel extreme delight and enjoyment from nature. We, human beings, naturally relate to it. I created my paintings by mixing my feelings about nature with my fantasies and inner world. There are no realistic paintings of nature presented, only nature created from my imagination,” she said.
Her paintings are all bright, colorful, and delightful. “I am a very positive person. I wanted people to feel calmness, positivity, and brightness from my creations. For me, the best part of being an artist is to see the public enjoying my work.”
There are butterflies included in most of her paintings. E.Temuge explained her butterflies: “Everything has two sides. People have bad and good sides too. Only the wings of the butterfly are beautiful, and the body looks ugly. I depictedbutterflies only by their wings. Through this I wanted to show that instead of seeing the bad things first, I want people to see and feel the good sides of one another.”

Source: http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/

Mongolia Art Show display captivating make-up performances

State champion make-up artist L.Tserendulam organized the Mongolian Art Show at Marquee 27 Night Club on May 9.
The show consisted of four parts; make-up performance, body art performance, modern art performance, and song and dance performance. Famous Mongolian models, beauty pageants, actresses, dancers, contortionists and singers, namely Cultural Merit Artist D.Gantsetseg, head of Andra modeling agency Kh.Badamgerel, model T.Oyun-Erdene, miss Kh.Bayarmaa and P.Shuudertsetseg participated in the show.
Source: http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/

Premier instructs aviation organizations to intensify operations

Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg met with the heads of the Civil Aviation Authority and MIAT Mongolian Airlines at the weekly meeting Hour of Solution on Wednesday to assign them with duties in their sector.
The government reached a decision last April to establish the National Corporation of Civil Aviation. The corporation will be in charge of air navigation and the servicing of airports and aircraft, responsibilities previously held by the Civil Aviation Authority.
A working group in the Ministry of Roads and Transportation developed the rules and principles of the corporation. The building that housed the Department of Aviation Monitoring and Security will be dedicated to the new corporation.
The longitudinal distance between aircrafts flying in Mongolian airspace has been reduced from 90 kilometers to 30 kilometers, effective April 20. Therefore, the number of flights coming to Mongolia can be increased, reported the head of Civil Aviation Authority Ts.Erdenebileg. According to MIAT Mongolian Airlines Director G.Jargalsaikhan, the number of summer flights will increase compared to last year.
Noting that civil aviation is a significant sector in terms of Mongolia’s economy, key in attracting investors and serving tourists, the Prime Minister asked the meeting attendees to pay more attention to strengthening the sector.
The Prime Minister instructed Ts.Erdenebileg to intensify establishing procedure for the corporation within the Civil Aviation Authority, to increase navigation income, and to work on finding creative new investment sources.
To increase the number of incoming tourists, MIAT should launch new transit services by autumn, stressed the Prime Minister, adding that there is a demand to make a new scheme for the financing of the company’s Boeing airplane, study opportunities to cooperate with large foreign aviation companies, and to cooperate with private companies as well. The Premier also assigned MIAT authorities with developing an initiative to increase passenger numbers and to schedule service to the Ural Siberia region to take advantage of the visa-free travel agreement between Mongolia and Russia.

Source: http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/

Vietnamese delegation to visit Mongolian meat processing factories

Not long ago, Vietnam expressed interest in importing meat from Mongolia. A Vietnamese delegation from the Quarantine Inspection Agency will conduct a working visit to Mongolia on May 20 to become acquainted with the activities of meat processing factories.

On Wednesday, representatives from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, State Specialized Inspection Agency, and Mongolian Meat Association discussed challenges faced in meat export. Currently, Mongolia exports meat and meat products to Russia and China.

Unuudur spoke with Executive Director of the Mongolian Meat Association M.Jadamba regarding meat export.

How much meat does Vietnam want to import from Mongolia per year?

First of all they will determine the capacity of domestic meat processing factories, and check if meat is being processed in accordance with their standards. Currently, it is uncertain how much meat they want. We expressed our interest in exporting mainly meat from small livestock. They also want to import frozen meat from small livestock, like sheep or goat.

Will domestic meat processing factories meet Vietnam’s requirements?

The capacity and technology of meat processing factories meet standards, but factories lack circulating capital for purchasing meat. If we only regulate this issue, we don’t have to worry about capacity.

How much money do the factories need?

Estimates show that factories need between 160 billion  to 180 billion MNT for annual assets.

How about this year’s export to our neighbors?

It is poor. We are exporting a small amount of horse and beef to Russia and China. The prices are low, so exporting meat to Russia is not efficient. They want to purchase meat at much lower costs than our domestic market. Our neighbors prefer purchasing live animals. In the last month, over 100 horses were exported to China.

Source :http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/

Mongolian Pavilion at Venice Biennale opens

The 56th Venice Biennale, an international art exhibition, is opening to the public from May 9 to November 22, 2015 in Venice, Italy.

The Mongolia Pavilion officially opened at the Venice Biennale on May 7, for Mongolia’s first-ever participation in the event. Ulaanbaatar-born, Freiburg-based artist Kh.Unen-Enkh and artist T.Enkhbold are sharing their artwork at the event.
The Mongolia Pavilion explores modern-day mobility and displacement, raising questions about what and where “home” is and humanity’s relationship with nature. The artists work with natural organic products from Mongolian nomadic traditions, such as felt, horsehair, horse dung, and wood. The Mongolia Pavilion consists of two presentations: a sedentary pavilion space at the Palazzo Mora and a nomadic pavilion with artist T.Enkhbold’s performances presented at designated public spaces around the city of Venice.
The two artists were born and raised in Mongolia and experienced migration as young adults. Artist Kh.Unen-Enkh attended art schools in Prague and Budapest and later moved to the German city of Freiburg in Breisgau, where he completely transformed his art from two-dimensional graphic media to sculptures made with natural ‘materials from his homeland.
T.Enkhbold’s art includes a variety of media. His two-dimensional works, made primarily of horse dung, ash, sand, and wood, will be displayed at the Palazzo Mora. With these works, T.Enkhbold joins the artists who defy the traditional concept of painting and its usual materials. T.Enkhbold’s performance art in Venice further develops ideas that he has explored previously at different locales around the world. T.Enkhbold questions the division between urban forms and his nature-based ger.
Venice was built by residents fleeing invasions by nomads, including Attila and the Huns in the 5th century. Centuries later, Venetian merchant Marco Polo (1254-1324) traveled to the Mongol Empire, where he spent 16 years at the Mongol Khan’s court. T.Enkhbold, building upon the historical legacy of Venice’s relationship with nomads and Mongols, will bring his performance art to the heart of Venice by settling around the city and socializing with Venice locals and visitors.
The Mongolia Pavilion is funded by leading Mongolian businesses and supported by Mayor of Ulaanbaatar E.Bat-Uul.

‘Hot Stamp’

Artists T.Otgonbaatar and D.Ariunbold are presenting their joint exhibition called “Hot Stamp” at Best Art Gallery. The opening of the exhibition took place on May 11, and the exhibition is on view through May 17. Overall, 15 interesting works made of metal are presented in the gallery.
“Compared to painting and sculpting, the development of metal working isn’t rapid in Mongolia. That’s why we wanted to be a part of it. All of the works were created through heating the metal. Metal is a material that is hard and cold. Through using this material, we aimed to show the flexibility, softness, and the kindness of human behavior and life. For example, the creation called ‘Destiny’ represents a human life. It shows the ups and downs of life,” said artist D.Ariunbold.

Both of the artists are teachers. Many people, including their students, helped with the exhibition, which took one month to prepare.
“There are only two paintings mixed with the metal, while the rest of them are only metal creations. Works that are presented at the gallery might look very simple and easy. In fact, they require a lot of technique and procedure,” stated the artist.
When I asked D.Ariunbold why the creations were only made of metal, he answered, “There are few artists in Mongolia who became diversified in the metal art field. Artist T.Otgonbaatar and I are adding our voices to this field.”
D.Ariunbold’s favorite piece is the creation called “Shurankhai”. He said, “It was my very first creation. It took a lot of time to complete this work and it changed the whole meaning of the exhibition.”

S.Nyam-Ochir seizes silver at Baku Grand Slam

State Honored Athlete of Mongolia S.Nyam-Ochir fought in the men’s 73 kg event of Judo Grand Slam held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 8 to 10, and captured a silver medal.
S.Nyam-Ochir defeated wrestlers from Uzbekistan and Turkey in the first round. In the second round, he beat an opponent from Ukraine with a yuko score and advanced to compete in the semi-final. At the semi-final tournament he defeated a judoka from Germany, but lost to Rustam Orujav of Azerbaijen in the final, securing the silver medal.
Labor Hero and State Honored Athlete Kh.Tsagaanbaatar also competed in the men’s 73 kg event, and defeated opponents from Belarus and Brazil in the first round. He lost to judokas from Hungary and Russia in the second round.
A total of 40 judokas participated in the men’s 73 kg event.
The team from Azerbaijan won two gold and one silver medal, topping the team rankings, followed by Romania and Russia. Mongolia placed 15th in its team results with a single silver medal.

Mongolia and Bulgaria business forum held to boost cooperation

In the scope of Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev’s visit, yesterday a Mongolian-Bulgarian Business forum was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The sides shared experience in the business sector and possibilities for building a joint factory in Mongolia.
Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg gave opening remarks at the forum, underlining that the two countries have political interests and can cooperate in “win and win” principles. The Prime Minister noted that the two countries have similar sectors with great potential for development.
“Bulgaria is leading in the information technology sector, and Mongolia can share its achievements. We can cooperate in many sectors, including medicine production, agriculture, in introducing to Bulgarian roses to Mongolia, and a subway system. Our disadvantage is that Mongolia is a landlocked country, but we have two big ‘seas’. Mongolia’s ‘sea’ gateways are the big Russian and Chinese markets. Mongolia will provide Bulgaria with an opportunity to export their goods to China, in return, Mongolia will have a chance to enter the European market. We will fully support cooperation in the business sector between the two countries,” he added.
On Monday, Mongolian President Ts.Elbegdorj held a meeting with his Bulgarian counterpart.
During a press conference held on Monday, the Bulgarian President said, “Bulgaria has great experience in the medicine production sector, so we are talking about establishing a joint factory. This sector has great prospects. Bulgaria also has experience in solar, wind, and hydropower stations, as well as food production. So we see that we have possibilities to build a joint factory and export to the Chinese market. Furthermore, we can cooperate in the defense industry.”
In response President Elbegdorj said, “I’ll point to three things that will define the importance of the visit. Our countries have had traditional economic relations. Many years have passed since this relationship went into hibernation. This visit is stimulating our relations. Both Mongolia and Bulgaria have a little money. The private sector has money and wants to cooperate. Our duty is to connect the state and the private sector. We believe that by connecting them, industry and business relations will be created.
“There are various products that are being exported to the European market from Bulgaria, we see possibilities for developing and collaborating in this business in Mongolia. Minister of Food and Industry R.Burmaa will conduct a visit to Bulgaria shortly. I believe that she will show that there are many other ways to cooperate in the business sector. Also, we are discussing a visit to Bulgaria by Governor of UB E.Bat-Uul. He will study a subway system that was built at a low-cost in a short time. We also will collaborate in the educational and environmental sectors.”
The business forum took place in the presence of representatives from the Employers Association, Information and Software Association of Bulgaria, and Bulgarian businesses. The Mongolian side was represented by the Ministry of Mining; the Information Technology, Post and Telecommunications Authority; Invest Mongolia Agency; and other business sector delegates.
The business forum concluded the Bulgarian President’s official events in Mongolia, and he will head back to Bulgaria today.

Bulgaria, Mongolia to improve educational, agricultural, scientific and ministerial cooperation

President of Bulgaria Rosen Plevneliev and the President of Mongolia, Ts.Elbegdorj, discussed the development of trade and economic relations between the countries on Monday, the press center of the President’s Office announced.
The Bulgarian head of State has been on a three-day visit to Mongolia since Sunday. The state visit takes place within the context of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Head of the Bulgarian State defined Mongolia as an important partner and friend of Bulgaria in Asia. “We will develop bilateral relations in the field of mining, pharmaceutics, and cosmetics, energy, agriculture, and food production, information and communication technologies, defense, as well as building modern infrastructure. We seek all-round partnership and cooperation,” President Plevneliev commented.
He listed as opportunities for cooperation the Bulgarian pharmaceutic companies looking for joint ventures and production in Mongolia. Plevneliev added that Mongolia is already trading in Bulgarian medicinal products, but there are greater prospects in this sphere. Food production also offers serious prospects and Bulgarian companies will be encouraged to produce in Mongolia and to enter big markets, such as the Chinese one, through joint ventures with Mongolian partners, he noted. Specific cooperation opportunities also exist in the defense industry where, for example, the production of night vision equipment by Bulgaria’s OPTIX Co. could be sold in Mongolia.

A number of documents were inked at an official ceremony attended by both presidents, including an agreement on the implementation of a program for technical aid in the agriculture sector; an agreement between the education ministries of Bulgaria and Mongolia on the implementation of a scholarship program in the field of agricultural sciences to train Mongolian students at Bulgarian state higher education establishments; an agreement between the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Mongolian Academy of Sciences on scientific cooperation; and a memorandum of understanding between the Bulgarian and Mongolian foreign ministries.
Ts.Elbegdorj thanked the Bulgarian side for its support for cooperation between Mongolia and the European Union. In his words, Mongolia is convinced that its best friend and ally in Europe is Bulgaria. Plevneliev made a reference to the ratification by the Bulgarian National Assembly of the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation between the EU and Mongolia, and said that this agreement will give Mongolia the opportunity to widen its cooperation with the European Union and will strengthen Bulgarian-Mongolian relations.
Mentioning that some 5,000 Mongolians have graduated from Bulgarian universities and institutes, and more than 3,000 have been involved in mid-career training in Bulgaria, the two presidents also noted Bulgaria’s contribution in the training of Mongolian students and specialists. Ts.Elbegdorj said that Mongolia will send students in Bulgaria for training in IT and environmental sciences.
Plevneliev recalled that Bulgaria reinstated its embassy in Ulaanbaatar and noted that work is underway for opening a consulate as well. He said that Bulgaria has an ambitious program for expansion of cooperation, which also means more effective visa-issuing.
On the same day, Plevneliev opened a monument to the Cyrillic letters at a school in Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia is the only non-Slav country using Cyrillic writing. The monument was unveiled on the Day of Saints Cyril and Methodius, who invented the earliest version of the Slavonic alphabet in 9th century AD.
According to Bulgarian News Agency BTA, the presidents announced during the joint press conference that followed their bilateral talks that Mongolia will study Bulgaria’s experience with the construction of the Sofia underground railway system. The Mayor of Ulaanbaatar is preparing to visit the Bulgarian capital and acquaint himself with the project. “Bulgaria is known in Eastern Europe for its fast and nice metro and we would like to use the experience with the Sofia metro’s construction in a short time with small expenditures,” President Ts.Elbegdorj said.
Mongolia and the Republic of Bulgaria established diplomatic relations on April 22, 1950. In 1961, the two countries opened their respective embassies in Ulaanbaatar and Sofia. Mongolia and Bulgaria had intensive relations from 1960 to 1990. However, bilateral relations have been diminished in recent years. But both sides have started to take the initiative to restoring bilateral relations since 1994.

Vladimir Putin and Ts.Elbegdorj meet to discuss bilateral relations

During his visit to Russia to attend the 70th anniversary of the victory of World War II, President Ts.Elbegdorj met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday, ahead of the Victory Day celebrations on May 9.
During the meeting, Putin thanked Ts.Elbegdorj for accepting the invitation to come to the Moscow Victory Parade. The Russian president also said that the two countries have “good and friendly relations with old and deep roots”, and that the Mongolian leader’s visit would be an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations. Putin noted Mongolia’s role in actively supporting the Soviet Union during World War II in the fight against Nazi Germany.
Ts.Elbegdorj stated that he was very happy to congratulate President Putin, representing all Mongolian people, for the 70th anniversary of Victory Day.
At the meeting the parties discussed a wide range of issues of bilateral relations in economy, infrastructure, future prospects for mutual cooperation, tripartite meetings, and other items.
In an exclusive interview with TASS news agency, President Ts.Elbegdorj said that Mongolia expects to sign a mid-term program on developing a strategic partnership with Russia on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Ufa, in the Urals, in July.
“We have prepared a document – a mid-term program for the development of a strategic partnership. On our part, everything has been approved and now the support of the Russian side is needed. Probably, during the Ufa meeting, we’ll sign it,” the Mongolian leader said, and added that during a meeting with Vladimir Putin, issues related to economic and infrastructural development will be specified.
The two countries eased visa requirements late last year and plan to hold joint military exercises in the summer.

“HOSPITABLE ULAANBAATAR” COMPETITION

It aims to as certain occupational skill and level of the hospitality service workers in the high ranked hotels in Ulaanbaatar city, to build the opportunity to exchange experience with employees from foreign countries who serve identicial activity as well as to advertise the activity of this field.  

International Galligraphy Exhibition

The event brought together a total of 19 artists from Inner Mongolia of China and Russian Buryatia and displayed their artworks and scripts.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Office of the President of Mongolia P.Tsagaan, the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism Ts.Oyungerel and art delegates from three countries.

After this, all artists were received by the Chief P.Tsagaan and adviser to the President R.Bold at the State House and paid a tribute to the "Nine Base White Banners".

It will be on public view until May 14.

This year is marked as the 810th anniversary of Mongolian traditional script as the State Script proclaimed by Chingis Khaan.

Agreement signed on NON-VISA travel between Mongolia and Russia

Mongolia and Russia’s high officials signed 15 important documents on September 3. Among them is the agreement on non-visa travelling between the two countries, signed by the two FMs L.Bold and S.Lavrov.

The other documents are the agreement on cooperation in civil air transportation, and in development of Ulaanbaatar Railways, signed by A.Gansukh, Minister of road and transportation, and by V.I.Yakunin, the director of state-owned “Russian Railways” JSC, also agreements on cooperation in construction sector and in improving economic relations, as well as a cooperation memorandum between MIAT and Aeroflot companies, signed by their directors. 

MONGOLIA is 77th in global ranking of travel freedom

Mongolia has been placed as the 77th in 2014 visa restrictions index which has been jointly released by the Henley&Partners Holdings PLC and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Mongolia is listed as such due to its visa-free status access to 51 countries around the world. The index covers 199 countries, where Finland, Germany, Sweden, USA and UK are the top five within the international community nations of travel freedom.

The Henley&Partners Visa Restrictions Index is a global ranking of countries according to the travel freedom that their citizens enjoy. Henley&Partners has analyzed the visa regulations of all the countries and territories and created an index which ranks countries according to their visa-free access their citizens can enjoy while traveling to other countries. This is the first time that a global ranking shows the international travel freedom of citizens as well as the international relations and status of individual countries relative to others.

In today's globalized world, visa restrictions play an important role in controlling the movement of foreign nationals across borders. Almost all countries now require visas from certain non-nationals who wish to enter their territory. Visa requirements are also an expression of the relationships between individual nations and generally reflect the relations and status of a country within the international community of nations. Visa restrictions are imposed by countries to control the crossing of their borders. Almost all countries now require visas from certain non-citizens who wish to enter (or leave) their territory.

Northeast Asian Mayors' Forum finishes

The Northeast Asian Mayors’ Forum titled "Sustainable and inclusive cities" was concluded on Tuesday.More than 120 delegates from 20 cities of six countries were invited by the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar to this forum. They exchanged views and then discussed matters such as sustainable and sufficient development of a city, city management and service adequacy and technology, innovation experiences, economic development of Northeast Asian countries, investments and support to  development, environment management, and green development. Delegates of the Asian Development Bank, Asia Foundation and the United Nations delivered reports with themes "Developmental tendency of Asian cities and role of vulnerable group in Asian cities and Asian economic development", "Inequality in the Mongolian society and poverty issue", "Economic development of Northeast Asian countries", "Administrative service of Ulaanbaatar city and investment programme for ger areas". Authorities of the cities gave reports about their experiences and current situation as well. The gathered also backed a suggestion that the forum must be run on a regular basis, so it has been decided that this action will be hosted every tow years, with the next one in 2016 in Northeast Asian region. Until then, Ulaanbaatar will serve as the secretary of the Northeast Asian Mayors’ Forum.

Deeltei Mongol Naadam

One of the biggest public event in UB during the Naadamdays. The cultural festival is comprised with folk music concert, parade show,contest and fair of Mongolian traditional costumes. 

Organizers: Ulaanbaatar city Tourism department, Mongolian Tourism Assocation

Co-Organizers: Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ulaanbaatar cityAdministration
Sponsor: Mongolian Adventure Tour
Venue: Chinggis khaan square, Ulaanbaatar city
Web/E-mail: info@tourism.ub.gov.mn  
www.tourism.ub.gov.mn
www.travelmongolia.org

Tel:     976-70108687, 976-11327820

MONGOLIAN FOLKLORE CONCERTs

The National Art “Tumen Ekh” ensemble is distinguished by the manner that it gives the natural sound without usage of any acoustic technologies in its comfortable palace that resembles the Mongolian khaan’s palace. National Art “Tumen Ekh” ensemble performs the Mongolian national art, drawling song, national folklore dance, national musical instrument, ancient and modern Mongolian khans dance festival, khuumii, mask dance etc.

Work for the Russo-Sino-Mongolian highway continues

The working group on the construction of the Russia-Mongolia-China highway will cooperate with Mongolia's Land Affairs, Construction Geodesy and Cartography Agency.

Geotechnical research and detailed projections for the construction of the Mongolian portion of the highway - or 1,000 kilometer highway from Altanbulag-Ulaanbaatar-Zamyn-Uud is underway now.  As reported by officials, plans for the construction of the nation's first international standard transit highway are due for completion. Last week, Chinggis Land Group, the Implementing Agency of the Government of Mongolia, together with the Land Affairs, Construction Geodesy and Cartography Agency have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation.

Under the MoU, the sides will receive professional and methodological assistance for road construction and project activity, engineering research, registration of a dependence area, and topographic drawings of the highway. The Land Affairs, Construction Geodesy and Cartography Agency will create an information database of the highway and dependence area at a stage-by-stage level; will give advice on the implementation of the project, budget, and regarding technical inspection issues; carry out research and elaboration work; and cooperate according to study conclusions and recommendations. 

Under the MOU the sides will also cooperate on the introduction of so-called "smart" road system.

Asian volleyball championship kicks off in Ulaanbaatar

The 2015 Eastern Asia Zone Men’s Volleyball Championship launched at Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Complex in Ulaanbaatar on Sunday, featuring volleyball teams from eight countries. Awards will be granted on May 15.
Mongolia played against Hong Kong atnd claimed victory.
The opening ceremony took place at 4:00 p.m. and Japan won the first match of the tournament against North Korea.
The organizers of the event highlighted that all eight countries in Eastern Asia Zone by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) are taking part in the championship.
The Volleyball Federation of Mongolia (VFM) is organizing the event with AVC and the teams will compete in two groups – A and B.
Mongolia, China, South Korea and Hong Kong are in Group A, while Japan, Macau, Taiwan and North Korea are in Group B.
The Mongolian women’s volleyball team won silver in 2000 and bronze in 2008 Eastern Asia Zone Volleyball Championships, hosted by Ulaanbaatar on both occasions. The Mongolian men’s team hasn’t won medals from the championships, but the VFM said that it has high hopes for the team this year.
The championships have been organized separately in men’s and women’s tournaments since 2012.
The government of Mongolia and Ministry of Health and Sport are supporting the championships, which is sponsored by Vitafit Group.
TV9, MNC and Suld TV are broadcasting the championship live.
Match schedules of the first two days of the championship:

Day 1 (May 10) schedule:

Time Competing teams
12:00 p.m. Japan vs North Korea
2:00 p.m. Macau vs Taiwan
4:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony
5:00 p.m. Mongolia vs Hong Kong
7 p.m. China vs South Korea
Day 2 (May 11) schedule:

Time Competing teams
2:00 p.m. Hong Kong vs South Korea
4:00 p.m. Taiwan vs North Korea
6:00 p.m. Japan vs Macau
8:00 p.m. Mongolia vs China

E.Bekhbayar becomes Asian Champion

Mongolian wrestler E.Bekhbayar seized a gold medal at the Asian Wrestling Championship 2015, which started on May 6 in Doha, Qatar.
On the first day of the championship, men’s 57, 65, 86 and 152 kg, and women’s 58 kg events were held.
E.Bekhbayar competed in the men’s 57 kg category. He defeated Japanese wrestler Fumitaka Morishita 5:0 in the second round, and Rahul Balasaheb Aware of India 8:5 in the third round. He defeated Jong Hak Jin of South Korea 3:2 in the silver medal match. In the final, E.Bekhbayar faced off against Samat Nadyrbek Uulu of Kazakhstan and won 4:1. Thirteen wrestlers competed in this weight category.
Mongolian wrestler G.Mandakh­naran won a bronze medal in the men’s 65 kg event. He lost to Tomotsugu Ishida of Japan 1:2 in the silver medal match and defeated Azat Mirakhimov 6:0 for the bronze. The men’s 65 kg event had 17 contestants in total.
P.Usukhbaatar won bronze in the men’s 86 kg division. He lost to Japanese wrestler Atsushi Matsumoto 1:9 in the match for silver. P.Usukhbaatar managed to gain bronze after beating Muhammad Inam of Pakistan with the score of 10:8. Eleven athletes took part in the men’s 86 kg event.
The Mongolian women’s team head coach B.Batbayar competed in the men’s 125 kg division instead of wrestler N.Zolboo. N.Zolboo couldn’t compete in the Asian Championship due to visa problems. B.Batbayar defeated Elnur Jichylov of Turkmenistan 9:6 in the first round. Unfortunately he lost to Mohammed Sabah Abdulmalek of Iraq 10:0 in the second round.
E.Gantuya of Mongolia participated in women’s 58 kg event and placed the 7th. She lost to Zhang Ting Zhou of China. Ten wrestlers competed in the event.
The Asian Championship will conclude on May 10.

State Dance Sport Championship concludes

The sixth State Dance Sport Championship titled “Moon Cup 2015” was held at Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Palace on May 1.
A total of 1,200 dancers from 72 dance crews were divided into six groups and competed in 13 categories for a total of 600 medals.
Dancers of Sway dance club of Darkhan-Uul Province won 52 medals and the Moon Cup.
Khatantuul dance crew won in the standard dance category, and was awarded a cash prize of 2.5 million MNT, as well as a right to compete in the World Dance Championship. Khatantuul was followed by Red Rose and Moon crews. Red Rose also won a right to participate in the World Dancing Championship.
Star crew won the Latin dance category, and was awarded a cash prize of 2.5 million MNT and a right to participate in the World Dance Championship. Moon and Ugsaatan crews won silver and bronze medals respectively.
Umnugovi Province’s Magic Dance crew won gold in the standard dance category for kindergarten children, followed by Dorniin Bujig (Eastern Dance) crew of Dornod Province.
The Mongolian Dance Sport Federation and Sound of Mongolia sponsored this year’s championship.

Khartsaga crowned National Basketball League Champion

The last matches of the National Basketball League Championship 2015 took place on Saturday, where Dundgovi Alliance Tech Khartsaga team claimed victory.
Khartsaga topped the league with four wins and two defeats, which brought them the championship title and a 40 million MNT cash prize.
Dornod Tanan Garid team won silver medals, as well as a 20 million MNT cash prize. The bronze medalist, Khasiin Khuleguud team, won 10 million MNT.
Erdene Drilling team was close to winning the bronze medal with its successful plays, but lost to Khasiin Khuleguud on Saturday.
The final rounds proceeded at the newly opened D.Sodnomzundui Basketball Palace in Khandgait

Bayangol Falcons wins first National Women’s Basketball Super League

Bayangol Falcons became the first National Women’s Super League champion last Friday, beating their opponent Etugen SBL Khasyn Khugluud by a narrow score of 70:63.
Despite Etugen SBL’s relentless defense and offense in the first half, with a 17 point lead, Bayangol Falcons was able to overtake in the second half of the match.
Etugen SBL and Bayangol were in the lead with an even 2-2 scores before they faced off. The tournaments lasted over five months.
Bayangol Falcon’s D.Ganzul was awarded the Finals MVP, who finished with an average of 27.4 scores and 3.2 rebounds. The Season MVP award went to MUIS Leopard’s B.Bolor-Erdene, who scored an average of 24.8 points, 21.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists.
The Mongolian Basketball Association started the National Women’s Basketball League tournaments last December, with the aim to promote and support female basketball players. Also, it was the first time foreign players, namely Ashley Prim and Dee Dee Williams, competed in a Mongolian women’s major league competitions.
During the award ceremony, the judges named five starting lineups of the national league: SHUTIS Sharks’ Kh.Maijargal, Etugen SBL Khulguud’s B.Undrakh, Bayangol Falcons’ D.Ganzul, MUIS Leopards’ B.Bolor-Erdene, and Dornogovi Five Signs’ G.Enkhdelger.

Future speed skating champions train at the Chinggis Square

 If you have seen and wondered why there are so many children at Chinggis Square practicing roller skating, they are the young athletes of the Central Sports Palace. Shuud.mn spoke with coach A.Bold and his students about their training.

Please introduce yourself. Your students have been training at the Chinggis Square quite a long time.

 I am an international speed skating master and speed skating coach at the Sports and Physical Education School of Ulaanbaatar. The skating class at our school was opened as part of President Ts.Elbegdorj’s decree to develop winter sports in Mongolia, and I was assigned as coach. I have been working in this position for over a year now. My students have been very successful so far and have been developing fast. We won 18 medals from the State Speed Skating Championship.

How old are your students? 

Our school admits student above fourth grade. The youngest student of the speed skating class is in fourth grade. The students who are training right now are in fifth, sixth, eighth, and ninth grades. The students of our school specialize in one sport, besides taking general education classes. There are 11 students in the speed skating class, which is currently in its second year. 

Where is the school located? 

We are located at the Central Sports Palace. 

Tell me about the training rinks and fields.

The Mongolian Skating Association is located at the Central Stadium. There is a roller skating rink and training facilities. However, Chinggis Square is nearer to our school, that’s why we train here. My students are training to participate in the Children’s Games in June 6. 

Are you training roller skating as there are no indoor ice rinks in Mongolia?

Training on ice begins in October. The Central Stadium prepares an ice rink when the weather becomes cold enough. In summers, we do roler skating and running as an alternative. We train all four seasons without breaks.

Speed skating class students also shared their goals and spoke about their training.

Enkhzul: I want to become an international athlete

How long have you been speed skating? How do you like your training? What is your goal?

I have been taking speed skating classes for three years. My dream is to become an international athlete. I study in the sixth grade. 

Is it hard to skate in winter? Have you ever wanted to give up?

Yes, I have. But I really like speed skating and I don’t give up. I don’t get cold in winter because I keep skating on ice. 

What do you like most about speed skating?

I enjoy the feeling of freedom.

State Fencing Championship concludes

The Mongolian Fencing Association organized the State Fencing Championship on April 18 and 19 at Futsal Palace.
Over 80 fencers from five clubs took part in the championship.
Khangarid Club’s B.Batkhuu won gold in the men’s category. He was followed by Ts.Jigjidsuren, E.Dulguun and E.Enkhdelger.
Three-time state champion and Mongolia’s first gold medalist from international fencing tournament B.Battumur didn’t participate in this year’s State Fencing Championship.
B.Gerelmaa won gold in the women’s category and became a state champion for the third time. She was followed by B.Amarzaya of Uurkhachin Club, M.Jargalmaa and A.Khaliunaa.

Darts players claim historic success at international tour

A Mongolian team of 12 darts players returned to Ulaanbaatar on Friday after winning six medals at the 11th Asian Darts Association (ADA) International Tour 2015 in Hong Kong.
It was a historical achievement in Mongolian darts and the team held a press conference immediately after their return to announce and celebrate their four gold and two bronze medals.
Around 1,100 darts players from 17 countries vied for medals in singles, doubles and teams challenges at the ADA International Tour.
Mongolia’s Kh.Odkhuu won the Division 2’s Singles Standard Cricket, M.Enkhmunkh won Division 4’s Singles Cricket Count Up, G.Bat-Ulzii and M.Enkhmunkh won Division 4’s Doubles in the men’s events, while B.Binderya won gold in the women’s Division 2 Singles event.
Kh.Odkhuu and Sh.Gan-Erdene won bronze in the men’s team events in Division 2, and G.Battulga and A.Ikhbandi won bronze in Division 5. In the team event, Mongolia ranked fifth out of the 17 countries.
“The ADA International Tour is a highly-reputable annual competition and we have showed an unprecedented success this year. In previous tours, Mongolians brought home three medals at most. This time, all of the 12 players either claimed medals or ranked in the top five of their respective divisions,” said L.Shinetsetseg, Secretary General of the Mongolian Standard Darts Association (MSDA) and member of the Mongolian darts team.
Mongolian darts sport development has a 22 years of history. The last five years have brought ample success for Mongolians in both domestic and international darts competitions, as highlighted by the team members.
“We have become one of the most competent teams in Asia, which was visible from the tour we have just finished. Other teams have been inquiring about our coach and how we train for competitions and it shows that we are drawing attention more than ever now,” added L.Shinetsetseg.
Three official darts associations are operating in Mongolia, with over 500 members in total. Apart from official members, there are 5,000 amateur darts players in the country, according to the MSDA.
“Companies have started holding small-range darts competitions regularly among their staff on weekends. We are sure that darts will develop even further and many professional darts players will be trained to stand on the winner’s podiums,” said a MSDA spokesperson.
Darts is becoming a popular sport in rural provinces as well, including Orkhon, Darkhan-Uul, Sukhbaatar and Umnugovi, although they haven’t formed or joined darts associations, according to MSDA.