Fireworks light up the sky during the opening ceremony of the 2nd Ordos International Nadam Fair in the third largest city in Northwest China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Aug 27, 2012. Athletes from over 60 countries and regions attend the fair to compete in more than 100 events. Wulan Qiqige, a Mongolian known for her kindness, care, and hard work lights the Nadam flame.

The event was organized by the General Administration of Sport, Ministry of Culture, State Ethnic Affairs Commission, People's Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, People's Government of Ordos, Sport Administration of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Culture Department of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Ethnic Affairs Commission of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.

The fair will run from Aug 27 to Sept 3 and feature both traditional and modern events, such as wrestling, archery, horsemanship, boxing and hockey.

 Green

Harmonious

Auspicious

 Background                           

In Mongolian, the word "Nadam" means "amusement and entertainment" and can be traced back to 1225AD, when Genghis Khan mounted an expedition to the West and conquered Khwarezm. In order to celebrate the victory they held the magnificent Nadam Fair. The Mongolians use this exciting gathering as a big occasion to compete in the horseracing, Mongolian wrestling and archery, which are regarded as the three basic skills of men.

Gradually more and more events were added to the festival, such as marksmanship, chess, reciting epics, polo, film, drama, singing, dancing and track and field competitions.  

There are three kinds of Nadam, the big, medium and small one. The big Nadam requires the participation of 512 wrestlers and 300 horses and usually lasts 7-10 days while the medium Nadam will have the participation of 256 wrestlers and 100-150 horse, lasting 5-7 days. And 64 or 128 wrestlers and 30 or 50 horses will take part in the small Nadam, which lasts 3-5 days. Anyone can apply to compete in Nadam, regardless of their ethnic origin and religious beliefs.

In addition to sports competition, people also use this gathering to hold talks and establish relations in economic trade or to interchange goods.

 Aug 28: Martial art            

 Horseracing                 

 To be continued