History, technique, cultural heritage, and modern statistics of Mongolian knucklebone shooting
This is a team sport that inherits the ARAVT system, the ancient military-social system of the Mongols. This shows that it was the fundamental cultural foundation that not only brought men together as true companions and strengthened unity, but also made them swear sacred oaths and be loyal to each other.
During the Manchu rule, Mongolian men created "Knucklebone circles" at the borders of 3-4 banners for the purpose of gathering to discuss their issues. Circles such as Badyn Böör, Naran Khögtsetei, and Khanginakhy continued for about 400 years. These circles were not just games and festivals, but places where Mongolian men discussed how to resist the Manchu state, discussed their political and military organization, and were a battlefield for Mongolia's struggle for independence.
In 1918, a great competition with over 190 teams was held in the "Badyn Böör" circle.
In the 1990 "750th Anniversary of the Secret History of the Mongols" festival, 169 teams of shooters participated, which is an achievement that has not been surpassed to this day.
Although it was banned and prohibited during the socialist period, it continued to be practiced secretly and in 1986 became the first sport with official rules, shooting with "Tulaa khasaa" (traditional bow), standardizing equipment, shooting distance, and other aspects with official rules.
1991: The first "National Championship" was held according to the above rules, starting to be conducted in team and individual categories in the National Championship
1993: The first titles and medals were given as a national sport type, and the title of Master of Sports of Mongolia began to be awarded
1998: By becoming an official category of the National Great Festival, National Naadam achievements also began to count towards title and rank achievements
2022: Based on National Great Festival achievements, by decree of the President of Mongolia, "National knucklebone shooting title" and by order of provincial and county governors, "Provincial and county marksman title" were respectively included in the "National Great Festival Law"
In 2014, it was registered in UNESCO's "Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" and became humanity's cultural heritage.
9 tokhoi
4 meters 72.5 cm
29-31 cm
Above ground level
8 shooters
6 main + 2 substitutes
7-9 m/sec
About 30 km/hour
The projectile is shot by bending the finger, and the use of any other unusual type of shooting or supporting equipment is strictly prohibited. The projectile speed is 7-9 m/sec or about 30 km/hour.
Mongolian knucklebone shooting is a musical game, and uukhai (victory songs) are an inseparable and important part of knucklebone shooting.
When practicing knucklebone shooting, serotonin is released in large amounts, which reduces stress and increases happiness.
Also, when hitting targets and winning, adrenaline is released in large amounts, making one brave, enthusiastic, and purposeful.
People who practice shooting are united and respectful, and in the knucklebone shooting environment, human character indicators, or EQ, improve significantly.
From Khalkhgol sum, Dornod province
Mongolia's Nationally Renowned Marksman
From Guchin-Us sum, Övörkhangai province
Mongolia's Honored Athlete, Mongolia's Nationally Renowned Marksman
Currently, there are 2 shooters in Mongolian knucklebone shooting who have won more than 10 championships.
In Mongolia
International branches
Over 200 counties and foreign cities
3,000 of them are women
Today, Mongolian knucklebone shooting has branch unions in the capital, 21 provinces, and 18 countries, with over 240 branch councils in over 200 counties and foreign cities. In recent years, the interest of foreigners in learning and practicing has been increasing.