512 Mongolian wrestlers compete in North China for "magic horses"

(Xinhua)

Updated: 2016-04-26

A traditional Bokh, Mongolian-style wrestling, tournament kicked off on Tuesday in the city of Erdos, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

A total of 512 wrestlers from across China will be competing in the two-day event with the winners to be awarded white "Magic Horses", which are believed by Mongolian herdsmen as descendents of Genghis Khan's two favorite horses, organizers said.

The second prize winners will get a bonus of 30,000 yuan ($4,620).

"I've mastered the technique of Mongolian wrestling since my childhood. This race can make me a better wreslter through competing with so many competent rivals," said Aotegen Bayar.

The tournamet has attracted more than 1,000 viewers.

Wrestling is one of the "three manly skills" of the Mongolian ethnic group. The sport, along with horsemanship and archery, forms the basis of the competition at the annual Nadaam festival.