Lavell “American Hangai” wins his first Naadam
It’s been two years in the making, but Bokhin Ayin’s Lavell “American Hangai” has finally won his very first Bokh Naadam (Mongolian Wrestling Competition) in Erlian, Xilingol, Inner Mongolia. Huge congrats to both him and Hohoo, Lavell’s Bokh teacher, who took second place. This victory for Lavell is no small feat. It’s his third summer competing in Bokh here in Inner Mongolia and although he has made it to the top 8 wrestlers many times in various Naadams, and to the top four wrestlers three times, there have been many Naadams in which he lost in the very first round.
Although Lavell is a decorated wrestler in various styles of grappling, competing in Inner Mongolian Wrestling Naadams are a very different kind of contest. In Mongolian Bokh there is no weight class, no skill level categories, no set arena or competition mat, and the contest is held outside exposed to all of the elements. An 80kg novice wrestler could compete against a 120kg experienced wrestler who has already been decorated with a Jangga (the colorful necklace worn around the neck by wrestlers who have been awarded this rank- for more information on the Jangga and wrestling uniform, CLICK HERE) in the first round. Because the contest is held outside, every wrestler must be prepared to wrestle on any stage whether it be dirt, sand, rock, grass, or any combination of these elements, and they must be prepared to do it in any unpredictable weather- scorching sun, pouring rain, wind, sandstorm, snow, etc. In Inner Mongolian wrestling style the stakes are high because if a wrestler touches any body part to the ground besides his feet, he loses. So with this one touch, one throw mentality, it is a true contest of patience, strength, will, skill, and luck. Competitions range in size, but always according to the following numbers: 16 man (very small competition), 32 man, 64 man, 128 man, 256 man (large competition), 512 man (very large competition), and 1024 (very very large and rare), etc.
Despite how well an individual prepares, there are so many extra elements at play that the last man standing is an accomplishment to be proud of. For Hangai, a beginner in this style of wrestling, it has been an uphill battle. He is often outweighed by his opponents by 30+kg and most of them have been practicing their Inner Mongolian Bokh style since the time they could walk.
Luck, preparation, hard work, and an unshakable team comprised of Coach Hohoo, Ariela, Oyuntana, and all the supporters of Bokhin Ayin, carried Lavell to this accomplishment. It’s just the beginning!
