Two Inner Mongolian men hold each other in wrestling. [Photo/VCG]

Mongolian wrestling

Boke, the Mongolian word for wrestling, has a history of more than 2,000 years. It is a rugged hand-to-hand sport, relying more on raw physical power than a wide variety of techniques. It is loved by Mongolian athletes, scholars and statesmen for its unique combination of athleticism and aesthetics.

The Mongolian way of wrestling has different rules, methods, uniforms and fields from the Chinese form and sumo in Japan. Wrestlers are matched by arrangement or by drawing straws. The judges enjoy high prestige and command universal respect. Half of the contestants are eliminated each round in the sudden death competition.

As soon as the judge gives an order to start, the opponents shake hands to show respect to each other, and then begin wrestling. There is no time limit, and the opponents can use any method or moves they want, such as pulling, kicking, tripping, pushing, holding or lifting. However, holding your opponent's legs, arbitrarily kicking, or pulling down his trousers is not allowed. Whoever touches the ground with any part of his body above the knees loses.

Awards are given to both contestants. The loser receives his award first, the winner second. No one goes home empty-handed. A Mongol isn't considered a real man unless he wrestles.