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Mongolia News Summary for February 03, 2025

Mongolia News Summary for February 03, 2025
The following news articles are the opinions of their authors and publications. They are presented here as translations for informational purposes and do not necessarily represent the opinion of MongolBeat or its members.

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Politics

Economy

Diplomacy

Infrastructure

Society

Environment

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Health

Sports

Arts

Politics

Aiming for Welfare Policies to Reach Target Groups

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The Ministry of Labor, Social Protection, and Family Affairs is working to refine its welfare policies to be more precise and to reach the targeted groups. For example, a program to enhance the independent living capabilities of targeted households will be implemented with the participation of NGOs and local entities, and the programs will be time-bound. During a meeting with the residents of Orkhon province, Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan introduced the objectives and policy updates in the family, labor, and social protection sectors included in the government's action program for 2024-2028. This year, the monetary allowance given to mothers with honorary medals has been doubled to 400,000 MNT for the first medal and 200,000 MNT for the second medal. The Ministry has also announced that they have started implementing the revised version of the law concerning the elderly and have doubled the budget allocated for promoting employment.

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The US Expresses Desire for Ukraine to Hold Elections

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: itoim.mn

The United States has expressed a desire for Ukraine to hold elections by the end of this year, according to a senior official responsible for Russian and Ukrainian affairs, as reported in an interview with Reuters. This official stated that if Kyiv reaches a ceasefire agreement with Russia in the coming months, conducting elections will become feasible. He also emphasized that presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine, which were suspended due to the ongoing war with Russia, should "absolutely be conducted." "Most democratic countries hold elections even during wartime. I think this is very important because it is the lifeblood of democracy. In a democratic society, it is a good thing that more than one person has the opportunity to be elected," said Keith Kellogg, a special envoy for Ukraine and Russian affairs within Trump's administration. Officials have also stated that Trump's new administration is developing a plan to reach an agreement to stop the Russia-Ukraine war, though details about the strategy and plans to end the conflict remain scarce. There is no clear information yet on how or when they plan to announce this proposal, which addresses one of the most damaging conflicts in Europe since World War II. Although Trump's plan is still in the development phase and no official decision has been made, sources have reported that Kellogg and other White House officials have recently discussed encouraging Ukraine to conduct elections. Additionally, these sources reported that administration officials are debating whether to first pursue a temporary ceasefire agreement or aim for a long-term peace accord. If a presidential election in Ukraine is organized, the winning candidate might be expected to negotiate a long-term peace agreement with the Russian administration. However, it is unclear how such a proposal would be received by Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated that Ukraine could conduct elections this year if the conflict ends completely and there are strong guarantees to prevent another attack from Russia. According to sources within the Ukrainian government, Trump's administration has not officially insisted that Ukraine hold elections by the end of this year.

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Economy

Flexible Tax Policy Needed for National Entrepreneurs

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. A working group for the revision of the Tax Package Law, organized by the Speaker of the Parliament, is holding a series of discussions on the tax system, its current situation, and potential reforms with representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises. G. Khishigzul, Director of the Secretariat of the Tax Authority, Tax Advisor, Auditor, and Tax Analyst, introduced various issues, including the need for a more understandable tax law, necessary revisions, improvements to personal income taxation, alignment with social changes, and addressing specific tax reliefs and exemptions using international practices. Participants expressed proposals to incorporate into state policies and legal frameworks aimed at promoting national production. During the tax reform, it is highlighted that policies supportive of businesses should be implemented through economic policy, the expansion of business operations should be directed, and the principles of equity and fairness in taxation should be ensured. Approximately 80 people participated in the discussions, including leaders from the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the General Department of Taxation, and representatives from various enterprises. According to the Ministry of Finance, a 2023 survey covering over 158,000 enterprises found the average tax burden to be 10.1%, indicating the percentage of income that enterprises pay in taxes. For micro, small, and medium business entrepreneurs, the tax burden is 5-6%, while large enterprises face a burden of 12.8%.

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Opening of "How Are You 2025" Trade Fair

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

The "How Are You 2025" exhibition, organized for the third year in a row to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year, was inaugurated at the initiative of the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar. The trade fair involves around 1000 SMEs from nine districts of the capital and 21 provinces, offering approximately 50,000 different types of goods and products at factory prices. D. Undarmaa, the director of the Capital's Small and Medium Enterprises Support Center (NӨҮG), stated, "The 'How Are You' trade fair, which has been organized for the third year, is distinct in that it supports SMEs not only within Ulaanbaatar but also from 21 provinces. This provides an opportunity to purchase quality, certified domestic products at reasonable prices. For instance, during last year's exhibition, businesses made sales worth 51.8 billion tugriks, keeping this amount of cash flow within the country." This year, the trade fair is taking place in the city's prime area, specifically on the 5th and 6th floors of the "Ikh Nayaad" Trading Center and the second floor of the "Soyolj Mall" Trading Center. The Culture and Arts Department of the Capital, along with affiliated cultural and arts organizations, traditionally participates by organizing cultural and artistic activities. This year, over 220 artists from 11 cultural organizations, along with artists loved and respected by the people, will present their works every day, as reported by the Public Relations and Communications Department of the Mayor’s Office (NZDTG).

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PHOTOS: “Hello 2025” Exhibition and Trade Fair Opened

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The "Hello 2025" exhibition and trade fair, organized for the third consecutive year to welcome the Lunar New Year, was officially opened today under the initiative of the city's mayor. This exhibition and trade fair will continue daily from February 1 to 27, from 09:00 to 20:00, across the 5th and 6th floors of the “Ikh Nayad” shopping center and the second floor of the “Soyolj Mall” shopping center.

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Diplomacy

Arab Countries Oppose Trump's Proposal to Relocate Palestinians from Gaza Strip

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

Arab countries have opposed a proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighboring Arab countries in order to rebuild the area after 15 months of bombings by the Israeli military. Most of the approximately 2.3 million residents in the Gaza Strip are now homeless. On Thursday, Trump reiterated his proposal, warning U.S. allies in the region, Egypt and Jordan, by stating, “We have given them a lot, so they must do this.” Jordan currently hosts millions of Palestinians, while Egypt has tens of thousands. On Saturday, foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, along with representatives from the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League, expressed their opposition to Trump’s proposal. Their joint statement declared, “We strongly oppose any attempts to violate the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people through relocation, settlement, annexation of their lands, or expulsion.” They believe that such actions could lead to instability in the region. On Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also declared that Trump’s proposal was unacceptable, stating, “We will not participate in the unjust act of relocating the Palestinian people from their homeland.” Political analysts have also deemed Trump’s idea as unfeasible. Yusef Munayyer, director of the Palestine/Israel program at the Arab Center in Washington, commented earlier this week that “Trump tends to say a variety of things. Sometimes he says what he intends, and sometimes he says things he shouldn't. Sometimes he repeats something he heard five minutes ago and doesn’t fully understand.” In their statement, the foreign ministers also expressed their readiness to work with the Trump administration to establish comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on the "two-state" solution. Source: Aljazeera

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Infrastructure

The salary of utility workers has improved to 3.5 million tugriks, enhancing work quality

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: itoim.mn

Problems can always be found if you look for them. However, when things are viewed in a positive light, the situation changes. Just one year ago, harsh working conditions and low wages meant that it was hard to find people to work in utilities, and new, young employees were as rare as stars in the daytime. But today, the salary of city and public utility workers has reached 3.5 million tugriks, with clear improvements in working conditions and support for workers. Over 40% of their machinery has been renewed. Now, instead of just using brooms and shovels and working in extreme temperatures, utility workers clear snow and ice with new equipment. Additionally, the responsibility for cleaning the city's 14.9 million square meters has been distributed across the nine districts, significantly improving the quality of cleaning work. Hence, 1,200 public space cleaners are currently working. This marks the main reforms in the city and public utility sector over a year. It can almost be considered a comprehensive reform. The person who initiated these tasks, provided directives, and gave reminders was the city's mayor, H. Nyambaatar. As a reminder, in April 2024, mayor H. Nyambaatar promised to raise public utility workers' salaries to 1,000 dollars, or 3.5 million tugriks, and focused on improving their quality of life by offering their children free education abroad. At that time, many people said that raising utility workers' salaries to 3.5 million tugriks was just a dream. However, just a month after that statement, their salaries were raised to 3.5 million tugriks on June 1st, 2024. Recently, 100 children of utility workers have been enrolled in language preparation courses with plans to train them in 13 types of specialties related to urban and public utilities in Germany. There are hopes for many more changes in the city's public utility sector, especially for supporting utility workers, encouraging their love for their jobs, and fostering their desire to work sincerely. It is hoped that other sectors with tough conditions but low wages will be upgraded in the same way that utility workers' and bus drivers' salaries have been increased.

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100,000 Infractions Detected Daily at a Major Intersection in the City Center

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The IV meeting of the Rapid Response Headquarters to implement projects and measures to reduce air pollution in Ulaanbaatar was held. The meeting was attended by Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene, Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar, as well as members of the Parliament, government officials, representatives of state and private organizations, and scientists and researchers. The discussion included projects to address the power capacity deficit in the capital, solutions for heating households in ger districts with renewable energy, the planning and development of Khunnu city, the intelligent surveillance camera systems installed at intersections and crosswalks, and the digital transformation of the public transport sector. Currently, 2,606 cameras have been installed and put into operation at 176 intersections and crosswalks in Ulaanbaatar. As part of this initiative, an integrated camera surveillance center for the capital and sub-centers in nine districts have been established, enabling the integration of data from all public and private sector cameras and processing of information using artificial intelligence. Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar stated, "It is possible to monitor data recorded by cameras using artificial intelligence. For instance, fire information can be measured by camera, flood water levels can be monitored, and the filling levels of trash bins in streets and squares can be recorded by cameras, with information transmitted to relevant employees and officials. Monitoring just one main intersection in the city center revealed 100,000 traffic violations daily. Such a high number of infractions is occurring without adherence to traffic safety and rules. Therefore, it's necessary to cultivate a culture of traffic participation. These surveillance cameras can monitor actions such as improper lane occupancy, traffic light violations, crossing stop lines, and other behaviors that obstruct the movement of others and reduce traffic flow. They play a significant role in preventing and stopping crimes and violations. Additionally, they are establishing the groundwork for penalizing infractions with artificial intelligence," he said. NCTC, CHMO.

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Society

Protest Against Spring Horse Racing and Online Petition Launched

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

The "Education for All! Civil Society Coalition and Mongolian Youth Federation" NGO has started collecting signatures for an online petition on the site uih.mn, opposing the government's decision to organize spring horse races. To recall, the government annulled a resolution that prohibited spring horse races and transferred the right to organize horse racing events to local authorities. As a result, from March 1 onwards, local provincial councils will decide on organizing the spring horse races, and it was announced that children over the age of 12 will be allowed to participate as jockeys.

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The Lack of Communication Etiquette

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Greeting, thanking, and apologizing are essential aspects of communication. They reflect a mutual respect that transcends age differences and job positions. The State First Central Hospital (UNTE) ranks high among healthcare institutions in terms of workload. Last Friday, it was quite busy with visitors. To receive services, one must first get a number from the electronic machine at the registration desk. However, it's tough if you don't line up. Some people, without taking a number, angrily shout, "Hey, step aside. I'm just asking one thing and then I'll leave. What's the big deal?" Everyone wants to be served quickly. An elderly woman showed several documents to the registration clerk and asked, "Where should I go now? I need to make a payment." The clerk replied, "Please go to the cashier to pay." To which she responded, "Where is the cashier? Do I have to go there again? Can I just give the money to you and have you settle the payment?" She seemed upset that the service staff didn't clearly direct her and proceeded to pay her bill. The registration clerk discussed with a colleague beside her, saying, "How many such people do you think come every day? Some even curse and swear. They don't say 'Thank you for helping,' yet they get angry." Despite her distressed appearance, she calmly assisted the next client, providing the needed information. On the second floor of this hospital is the Nephrology Department. At the entrance, 5-6 people were queued up, all apparently waiting for their scheduled examinations. Some eagerly peered through the doctor's office door and tried to enter the room ahead of their turn. The doctors advised, "Please follow the schedule for your appointments." However, an elderly man complained, "You will also get old. What's the big deal? I'll just see the doctor quickly," and scolded those around him as he went in to consult. The remaining people merely commented, "How uncivilized," without saying more. One woman, nearing 11:00, insisted, "I had booked an appointment for 9:00. Therefore, I must be seen. I got delayed because of completing other tests. If I don't get treated today, I hear there's a fine," refusing to listen when people set boundaries or paid attention when the doctors spoke. Even at the coat check area, disputes continued. Some would suddenly "push in" to grab their coats, demanding service staff handle them quickly, "Give me my coat quickly. I can see it nearby; hurry up." Some received their coats but remained on their phones, blocking others. Traditionally, Mongolians have taught showing respect to elders and elders setting examples for younger generations. Yet, the teachings seem to have faded, almost disappearing, from the incidents at this hospital. They say relationships emerge from communication. Therefore, everyone should strive to interact with each other with politeness and respect.

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"Ulaanbaatar" to Host Winter Walking Festival

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

The "Ulaanbaatar" Winter Walking Festival will be held on January 15-16. This event is being organized by the city's Tourism Department in collaboration with the Mongolian Walking Association. As part of the festival, two main routes have been developed. On the 15th, participants will walk from the International Children's Friendship Center to "Javkhlan" station. On this day, there will be ice shooting, artistic performances, content creation, and various interesting competitions and contests. The next day, participants will walk from the National Garden to "Sky Resort". This festival is open to everyone, and those under 16 are required to participate with their guardian. Each day will cover an average walking distance of 10 km. The event aims to promote the natural beauty, history, culture, and traditions around Ulaanbaatar, and to develop winter tourism in the capital. Additionally, the fee for participating in the walk for two days is 105,000 MNT, which includes bus services, lunch, cultural programs, contests, competitions, and medical services.

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SÜKHBAATAR: The State Flag is Raised

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

In Baruun-Urt, a ceremony was held to raise the state flag of Mongolia at the newly operated sports complex. The flag will be permanently located at the honor position of the sports complex. The state flag is 4 meters long and 1.5 meters wide. Representatives from the local community, sports sector leaders, coaches, and athletes attended the flag-raising ceremony. The state flag was dedicated to Lkhagvasuren’s Odgerel, a native of Baruun-Urt soum and a first-class judge of the International Weightlifting Federation, a member of the Asian Weightlifting Federation's judges council, and an international master. Odgerel has officiated at events such as the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, the Buenos Aires Youth Olympic Games, and the World Championships 10 times. He was awarded the "Borte Chono" top prize of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee in the "Best Judge" category in 2017 and 2024, and is recognized as an excellent judge who has enhanced the prestige of Mongolia in Asia and the world.

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Summary: Local Authorities to Decide on Horse Racing

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: news.mn

The news agency presents a summary of the notable events of the past week: "IF YOU WANT TO WIN THE ELECTION, THEY URGE YOU TO REVIVE THE SPRING HORSE RACE" MP Kh. Baasanjargal gave a briefing on horse racing. He stated, "Every year, some trainers organize rallies to revive the spring horse race. Their struggle and grievances continue unabated. Secondly, we need to understand the significant influence trainers have in politics. We must approach any information with a filter. Moreover, the information provided by politicians must be accurate. During the rally last weekend, information spread on social media labeling those who opposed it as a group intent on violating tradition, threatening independence, and destroying heritage. I responsibly declare that this is not a tradition. This has been established by court and archival records. The spring horse race has only a 15-year history. Mistaking it for our heritage is what I attribute to political misinformation. Trainers used to urge that if you want to succeed in the election, revive the spring horse racing to obtain the votes of rural youth." "HOSHORYU S. BYAMBASUREN: I HOPE THIS IS NOT A DREAM" Professional sumo wrestler Hoshoryu S. Byambasuren, who won the first tournament of the year and met the requirements for yokozuna rank, attended the customary press conference. At 25 years old, he won the Hatsu basho with 12 wins and three losses, beating Oho and Kinbozan in additional bouts on the final day. At the start of the press conference, Hoshoryu S. Byambasuren said, "I was asleep. If this press conference wasn't happening, I'd still be asleep." He won his first makuuchi-level championship while holding the sekiwake rank and subsequently achieved the ozeki rank. In the November basho, he came second with 13 wins and two losses, meeting the criteria to compete for the yokozuna rank in the Hatsu basho. Hoshoryu S. Byambasuren continued, "I believe I did everything I could. I hope this isn’t a dream. I'm happy to win my first championship with the ozeki rank." His real name is Sugarjargal Byambasuren, and like his ex-yokozuna uncle Asashoryu D. Dagvadorj, he aims to become a great champion. Hoshoryu mentioned, "I grew up watching him from childhood." With Hoshoryu S. Byambasuren becoming yokozuna, the sumo world no longer needs to worry about lacking a great champion, following yokozuna Terunofuji G. Gan-Erdenes’ decision to retire, prompting discussions on who would be the next yokozuna. "IF THE SPRING HORSE RACE IS TO BE ORGANIZED, A DECISION WILL BE MADE BY LOCAL AND PROVINCIAL COUNCILS" Deputy Prime Minister S. Amarsaikhan stated, "The government is implementing regional development policies. Measures are being taken to eliminate the imbalance between urban and rural development and to foster economic growth in regions. The issue of increasing the responsibilities and rights of local and provincial governments is being addressed step by step. As part of this, all authority to organize cultural, artistic, and sports events is being delegated. Currently, there are no legal regulations for making decisions on locally organized events other than national celebrations. In other words, local and provincial leaders will make and take responsibility for organizing events, guided by recommendations from relevant ministries." Any spring horse race organized after March 1 will need to be decided by the provincial and local councils. Riders over 12 years of age will participate, fully equipped with appropriate attire and equipment. In addition to culture and sports, the responsibilities for local infrastructure, construction, urban planning, policy decisions to attract investments, and ensuring their implementation are being gradually transferred. "TWO CHILDREN INFECTED WITH MENINGOCOCCUS, ONE CHILD PASSES AWAY" A meningococcal case in Nalaikh district reached the National Center for Infectious Disease in critical condition last night, but the child passed away this morning. In 2024, there were five suspected cases of meningococcal infection, two confirmed, and two children recovered. In 2025, two cases were recorded with one resulting in death. Yesterday, a suspected case arrived from Bayangol district, and the laboratory results are pending. Meningococcal infection is one of the most severe illnesses that can rapidly escalate. It manifests through fever, intoxication, and inflammation of the brain lining. Clinically, the patient experiences high fever with pallor. The fever is categorized as red and pale fever. Meningococcal fever appears pale and sallow. Besides fever, a rash appears, beginning on the lower limbs and quickly becoming vesicular and hemorrhagic. Rashes in measles and chickenpox last two to three days, while those in meningococcal infections escalate rapidly. The rash varies in shape and size. Symptoms include high fever, agitation, pallor, bloody rash, and restlessness. If a child shows symptoms of agitation, high fever, and a hemorrhagic rash, they should be isolated and treated. The infection can be carried dormant in the throat or nose and spreads through airborne droplets and close contact. In suspected cases, immediate medical attention is advised. "INCORPORATING ALL THESE SOLUTIONS INTO A SINGLE SYSTEM AND CONVEYING IT TO THE CAPITAL IS THE RIGHT APPROACH" The discussion on "Smoke Issues" and solutions for stove and fuel technology took place recently. As preparation for a general oversight hearing on air pollution and smoke, a discussion was organized to address smoke issues and stove and fuel technology solutions, following the law on parliamentary oversight established by the Standing Committee on Nature, Food, and Agriculture. Fifty-two citizens and 27 businesses registered for the discussion. During the preparation for the smoke hearing, three subgroup discussions were organized. However, technical solutions and innovative ideas are crucial, hence the discussion was held. The "Smoke Issues" discussion opened with remarks by task force leader J. Chinburen: "The general hearing on smoke will be next Tuesday. Solutions discussed today will be reported during the general hearing, and a council of experts will evaluate the feasibility and necessity of the discussed solutions to come up with ways to reduce smoke. The main goal of the general hearing is to provide an opportunity for citizens to meet with responsible officials and receive answers."

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The Story of the Indian Chess Village

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: news.mn

The village of Marottichal in the Indian state of Kerala has approximately 6,000 residents. This tranquil place became famous as "the Indian chess village" in the early 2000s. In every household here, at least one person is engaged in the sport of chess. Walking through the village, you can see people playing chess everywhere, such as at bus stops, outside grocery stores, and in playgrounds. "More than 4,500 of the 6,000 residents, or 75%, are skilled players," said John, the president of the Marottichal Chess Association. A 15-year-old village resident, Govrishankar Jayaraj, is among India's top 600 chess players. Unlike ordinary players, he is known for playing chess with his eyes closed, visualizing the chessboard in his mind. For India, which leads the world in chess, Govrishankar Jayaraj is a player who further elevates its prestige. Forty years ago, Marottichal village was plagued by an alcohol addiction and gambling crisis, pushing many families to the brink of ruin. In the 1970s, three households in Marottichal produced alcoholic beverages for personal use. However, by the early 1980s, the village had become a major center for illegal alcohol production. During this time, many families fell into poverty without stable income and became addicted to alcohol. This situation continued until a resident, Charaliil Unnikrishnan, returned from exile in the late 1980s. The village's condition disturbed him, prompting him to take measures such as destroying alcohol production sites and equipment. Fortunately, the impoverished locals had little opportunity to restart production. Afterward, he began to "pull" the residents into chess. Speaking about it, he said, "Chess united us. We started gathering to play instead of drink." Soon, people gazing at chessboards were seen all over the village. Today, the 67-year-old Unnikrishnan is called our savior and our king by the residents of Marottichal. Incidentally, chess is widely known as a game that plays a crucial role in addressing addiction, psychological, and cognitive issues. For example, chess is included in rehabilitation programs against addiction in Spain. In the UK, chess clubs are established in prisons to resolve conflicts among inmates, reduce violence, develop communication skills, and constructively spend free time. SOURCE: AL JAZEERA

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132nd Anniversary of D. Sukhbaatar's Birth

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

Today marks the 132nd anniversary of the birth of the state and public figure, eminent military general Damdin Sukhbaatar. Specifically, on February 2, 1893, Sukhbaatar, the son of Damdin, known as the "White Robe" and one of the first seven founder members and the People's Army's general, was born. In commemoration of this event, Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene and members of the government paid tribute by offering flowers at D. Sukhbaatar's statue.

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Environment

Discussing the Increase of Investments and Creation of Green Jobs to Combat Climate Change

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

Mongolia will host for the first time the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Ulaanbaatar in 2026. In preparation for the conference, the Mongolia Business Council and the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change jointly organized a session on "Post-COP: Business and Investment Opportunities" on January 30. The meeting was attended by representatives from the government, private sector, and international organizations, discussing climate policy, green financing, and the development of the carbon market, while exchanging views on Mongolia's climate goals and international cooperation. Additionally, experts, researchers, and practitioners from various fields related to environment and climate change gathered to share and discuss information on both national and international trends and situations. The organization of this conference demonstrates how Mongolia will lead in addressing global climate issues, particularly desertification and the transition to renewable energy, highlighted by B. Javkhlan, the president's advisor on project coordination and civil society policy, during the panel discussion. He stressed that the decision to host COP17 in Mongolia is the largest commitment to leadership in combating climate change. The session was attended by ambassadors such as Cathy Smith from Australia, Ina Marciulionytė from the European Union, and Giovana Piccarreta from Italy, as well as N. Chimgeendar, head of the Preparatory Office of UNCCD COP17 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They shared perspectives at an international level on climate investment trends following the Rio conventions. Desertification, environmental degradation, and climate change are broad challenges transcending countries and regions, necessitating the involvement of everyone. Countries are joining together to seek solutions and ways to overcome these challenges and adapt accordingly. For Mongolia, urgent issues include climate change, land degradation, dust storms, and combating desertification. Thus, protecting the environment and accelerating green growth have become leading goals for the country. By 2030, Mongolia is committed to fulfilling its international obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals. Domestically, improving the living conditions of citizens, business entities, and local communities through environmental protection and green growth is a prioritized avenue. The UN Climate Change Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan took place in November 2024. Global leaders agreed to increase budget and funding to combat climate change. During this summit, Mongolia's President U. Khurelsukh emphasized climate finance initiatives and business environment reforms being undertaken in Mongolia. He stated, "Mongolia is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 22.7% by 2030 and to reaching a net-zero balance of emissions and absorption neutrality by 2050. Fulfillment of these commitments requires financing equivalent to over 50% of GDP." Therefore, the President highlighted ongoing comprehensive reforms to increase investments in environment, green energy, agriculture, and forestry sectors. The private sector also plays a critical role in implementing green solutions and investing in green projects. Developing countries had originally allocated 100 billion USD per year for climate change efforts, but have now approved an increase to 350 billion USD annually, enhancing possibilities for transitioning to a green economy and green technologies. Environmental and Climate Change Minister S. Odontuya after the forum noted that with smart planning and policies, Mongolia has a great opportunity to attract significant climate change investments. Mongolia is working with international partners to quickly increase climate investments and create green jobs for a sustainable future, affirmed B. Javkhlan at the "Post-COP: Business and Investment Opportunities" meeting. He posed key questions to international ambassadors from Australia, the EU, and Italy concerning their support in Mongolia's transition to renewable energy and the role of private sectors in international cooperation. In the panel discussions, it was highlighted that climate change concerns all sectors, thus improving the coordination of involved parties is essential. To implement policies and actions aligned with the Paris Agreement's goals, increased investments and enhanced capacity building within the civil service are needed. "To solve these issues, it's imperative to define the roles and participation of the stakeholders, with a focus on engaging the private sector, professional organizations, and NGOs alongside the government", noted Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Green Development S. Odontuya during the conference. In Mongolia, the energy, agriculture, and construction sectors are significant contributors to greenhouse gases and environmental degradation. Transforming these into environmentally friendly, green sectors is crucial. For instance, the banking sector has committed to supporting green businesses through loans, increasing green loans from 1% to 3% of total loans over the past two years. By 2030, it is the goal to make 10% of the banking sector's total loans green loans. International best practices in increasing environmental sector financing are being introduced in Mongolia. For example, through collaboration with the International Nature Conservation Fund, and with the initiative and support of the President, a model system called "Environment Permanent Funding Program" has been established. Currently, over 70 million USD in grants from international investors has been secured, with the potential to gather over 100 million USD more by 2030, notes B. Davaadalai, the President's economic policy advisor, in an interview with our agency.

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Flood Warning Issued for 46 Areas in the Capital

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

There are currently flood warnings for 46 areas throughout the capital. The Capital Urban Planning and Development Administration (CUPDA) is taking swift action in these areas. According to J. Batdorj, the Director of the Repair and Maintenance Department of CUPDA: "CUPDA has prioritized these 46 locations and is working daily in areas where immediate action is necessary. For example, regular measures are being taken in areas at risk to prevent spring thaw flooding." One such high-risk area is Channel 1000 in the 10th khoroo (district) of Chingeltei, where actions are being carried out such as drawing channels for the flood dam and road bridge passages, using excavated ice to form dams on both sides, and cleaning up by moving the ice away. CUPDA continues to manage the situation with urgent measures in all 46 identified locations to mitigate the risk and impact of flooding.

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Members Kh.Battulga, L.Munkhbayasgalan, and U.Shijir Meet with Citizens of Khuvsgul on the Topic of "Natural Resources for Every Citizen"

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

Before the 2024 parliamentary elections of Mongolia, Kh.Battulga and S.Ganbaatar have been conducting a tour called "Blue Flag," meeting with citizens in rural areas. During these meetings, they conducted a survey asking, "Is it right to change the name and logo of the Democratic Party?" Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Kh.Battulga, along with his faction members S.Ganbaatar, L.Munkhbayasgalan, U.Shijir, and D.Jargalsaikhan, have been meeting with citizens of Khuvsgul, Bulgan, and Orkhon aimags. The topic of their meetings is "34-50% of Natural Resources for Every Citizen." They met with the citizens of Murun soum in Khuvsgul aimag yesterday.

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Next Week, the Cold Weather Will Intensify in the Northern Regions

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

In the coming days, the cold will slightly weaken during the day in the western regions while remaining cold in the eastern regions. Tomorrow, there will be light snow in the mountainous regions of Altai, Khangai, and Khuvsgul. Some areas will see light snow; snow and snowstorms will occur in the eastern part of western provinces, the northern parts of central and eastern provinces. Most areas of the western and central provinces, some areas of the desert, and eastern provinces will experience snowstorms. The wind will generally blow from the northwest at 5-10 meters per second, increasing to 12-14 meters per second in some areas and reaching 15-17 meters per second in desert and steppe locations. In the basins of Uvs Lake and Darkhad, the sources of the Zavkhan River, as well as the valleys of the Ider, Tes, Baydrag, Selenge, Kharaa, Eruu, Terelj, Kherlen, Onon, Ulz, and Khalkh rivers, nighttime temperatures will be -35 to -40 degrees Celsius and daytime temperatures will be -23 to -28 degrees Celsius. In the Great Lakes Depressions, Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul, Khentii mountainous areas, Khurenbelchir region, and valleys of the Eg, Uur, Orkhon, and Tuul rivers, nighttime temperatures will be -30 to -35 degrees Celsius and daytime temperatures will be -16 to -21 degrees Celsius. In the southern part of the Gobi region, nighttime temperatures will be -12 to -17 degrees Celsius and daytime temperatures will be -3 to -8 degrees Celsius. Along the southern side of the Hangai mountains and the northern parts of the Gobi region, nighttime temperatures will be -17 to -22 degrees Celsius and daytime temperatures will be -8 to -13 degrees Celsius. In other areas, nighttime temperatures will be -22 to -27 degrees Celsius and daytime temperatures will be -13 to -18 degrees Celsius. The cold will intensify further in the northern part of the country on Thursday.

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Innovation

J.Galbadrah: Mongolia Should Learn from Kazakhstan, Which Prioritizes Education

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: itoim.mn

Member of Parliament J. Galbadrah visited educational institutions in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and shared his experience studying the country's education sector on his social media page. He stated, "Some people wonder what we can learn from Kazakhstan. In fact, given that it is a large country with many remote soums and aimags, similar geographical locations and weather conditions, and certain similar experiences, there is a lot to learn from this country." He highlighted several points: Kazakhstan has implemented comprehensive policies in stages to increase accessibility to its primary and secondary schools and improve the educational environment, and concrete actions are being taken to meet these needs. Only after increasing the accessibility of school buildings and meeting standards can we talk about improving educational quality. With this rationale, during the previous president's term starting in 2008, a "Build 100 Schools" project was implemented over 10 years. As birth rates increase and the population grows, Kazakhstan has begun another wave of reforms. In 2023, the "Comfort School" national program was announced, planning to construct more than 350 schools. Specifically, by 2024-2025, the goal is to put 240 of these schools into operation. Over 100 schools have already been completed, and the rest are expected to be operational within this year. Member of Parliament J. Galbadrah emphasized that prioritizing education is the most important lesson our country should learn. Additionally, it was mentioned that the strict implementation of certain practices is the foundation of their success. During the construction of residential complexes and neighborhoods, it is legally mandatory to include schools and kindergartens. According to their tender laws, all furniture for new schools and kindergartens must be sourced from domestic manufacturers. This has led to the flourishing of local table and chair manufacturing industries. Additionally, Kazakhstanis from Mongolia are reportedly leading in the production of household furniture. Notably, Kazakhstan has not cut education expenses under any circumstances, an official stated. For instance, during the COVID crisis, when budgets across all sectors were reduced, the education budget remained unaffected. In the last 2-3 years, their statistics show a significant increase in the budget and investment for education. From 3.9 trillion tenge in 2022, it has increased to 5.1 trillion tenge this year. The portion of GDP allocated to education continues to rise. While most educational investments naturally go towards construction, they are also running comprehensive training programs for teachers domestically and internationally, learning much from Finland and Singapore. They strive not to overlook teacher preparation, with initiatives to offer scholarships and monthly stipends for high-achieving enrollees. To address teacher shortages, they are inviting non-teaching professionals into the field. Importantly, they have managed to increase teachers' salaries in recent years. Teachers now have the highest-rated salaries among civil service employees. Despite building many new schools, they somehow manage to find teachers, and competition has increased. While class sizes temporarily rose to 35-38, this has now decreased to below 30. However, due to the large number of children, many schools operate in two shifts. They are constructing some schools to accommodate more students comfortably. For example, School No. 101 in Astana is designed for 2,100 students but operates with 4,100 students in two shifts, yet class sizes do not exceed 25-28. J. Galbadrah noted that there is much to learn and improve, especially concerning human resources and school management. He candidly revealed areas needing adjustments while achieving such rapid progress. He concluded, "Anyway, they are well ahead in HARD aspects. Soon, they will likely excel in SOFT aspects as well."

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Health

The Income of the Health Insurance Fund Increased by 28%

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: montsame.mn

According to the Health Insurance General Office, the income of the health insurance fund reached 2,034.2 billion tugriks at the end of 2024, an increase of 445.5 billion tugriks (28%) compared to the same period of the previous year. The expenditure on health insurance fund services reached 2,073.9 billion tugriks at the end of 2024, an increase of 521.7 billion tugriks (33.6%) from the same period last year. The increase in the fund's income was influenced by an increase of 209.1 billion tugriks (32.4%) in premium income compared to the previous year, 72.1 billion tugriks (28.6%) in premiums paid from the state budget for citizens covered by state insurance, and a 163.4 billion tugrik increase (23.8%) in funds allocated from the state budget for the costs of health services and assistance covered by the state, which are financed through the health insurance organization. On the other hand, the rise in health insurance fund service expenditure was impacted by the increase of 47.5 billion tugriks (52.8%) in discounts on medication prices compared to the same period of the previous year, as reported by the National Statistics Office. At the national level, 3,275,000 individuals were insured by health insurance at the end of 2024, excluding duplicates. Of the total insured, premiums for 2,291,200 (70%) individuals were covered by the state budget, 770,900 (23.5%) individuals' premiums were paid by employers and insured parties, and 212,800 (6.5%) individuals paid the premiums themselves.

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The Results for Two Suspected Cases Will Be Released on February 4 and 6

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: news.mn

The National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) provided information regarding the current situation of meningococcal infections. The Head of the Public Health Policy Department of the Ministry of Health, L. Battör, stated: "There has been misinformation regarding a child who passed away from a supposed meningococcal infection. This was information posted on the Ministry of Health's social media last night. Some people have speculated, without determining the illness that caused the child's death, that it was due to meningococcal infection, which is incorrect. At the end of last year, there were five suspected cases, and of those, two meningococcal infections were confirmed, treated, and the individuals fully recovered. Epidemiological response measures were taken in relation to these cases. Since the beginning of the year, out of three suspected cases, one was confirmed, and unfortunately, the child passed away. Tests are currently being conducted on the other two suspected cases to identify the pathogen. The results for these suspected cases will be released on February 4 and 6. Let me reiterate, there are currently two suspected cases of meningococcal infection. The first has been registered in Bayangol district. It is reported that the child has not attended school since February 18. The second suspected case was found at the 311th kindergarten in Bayanzurkh district. Neither case has received a final test result yet. It is possible to obtain definitive results 48-58 hours after testing. The condition of the children is stable at the moment." The NCCD and Ministry of Health provide timely updates through their websites. Therefore, we urge the public to be cautious of unofficial information on the internet. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Ch. Urtnasan from the NCCD added: "In the case of meningococcal infections, children may have a high fever but cold hands and a pale face. The incubation period of the infection is 3-10 days, with symptoms appearing within 5-7 days. Every household with young children should have a thermometer at home. If you believe your child has a fever, check their temperature. Avoid self-medicating and delaying professional medical treatment. The main symptoms of meningococcal infection are sudden high fever, loss of appetite, paleness, and skin rash. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. This disease is associated with a high risk of complications and death, so if your child has a fever rising to 39-40°C and starts developing a rash, do not waste a minute and go to a medical facility immediately."

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Suspected Case of Meningococcal Infection Detected in Kindergarten No. 311

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The National Center for Communicable Diseases is providing information about the situation regarding meningococcal infection. They stated, "At the end of last year, there were five suspected cases, of which two cases have been confirmed since the beginning of this year. These two cases have been treated and have fully recovered. Unfortunately, one case rapidly deteriorated in a short time and resulted in death. Currently, there are two suspected cases of meningococcal infection in the capital. Suspected cases have been detected in the Bayanzurkh and Bayangol districts, with one person isolating at home. Another suspected case was identified at Kindergarten No. 311, and it is being monitored. The report of a nine-year-old child's death on social networks has not been registered at the National Center for Communicable Diseases. It is being stated that the information claiming meningococcal infection is false. We urge people not to spread unverified information on social networks to avoid causing public fear. This is not the first time meningococcal infection has occurred in Mongolia. Each year, 3-4 cases of this infection are recorded. It usually occurs in endemic areas. Cases with very severe symptoms have a risk of death, but not every person infected with this virus will face a fatal threat. About 13% of cases could potentially result in death. Compared to other contagious diseases, meningococcal infection has a relatively low risk of spreading. The infection is unique in that it spreads through hot breath; it can be transmitted at a distance of one meter through direct interaction. It's not like when a person with a flu-like infection enters a room, and everyone is at risk; rather, it is only transmitted by very close contact. Therefore, it is important to follow simple preventive measures. Wear a mask when going out, and wash your hands immediately if they are dirty. Also, keep warm by wearing hats, scarves, and gloves. Parents are at higher risk of bringing infection to their children if they have been outside. It is important to wash hands thoroughly and rinse the nose and throat before interacting with children.

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L. Battur: The test results for the two suspected cases of meningococcal infection will be finalized on the 4th and 6th of this month

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The Ministry of Health and the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) provided information today on the situation of meningococcal infection. L. Battur, Director of the Department of Public Health Policy of the Ministry of Health, said, "At the end of last year, there were five suspected cases. Tests confirmed that two of these cases were meningococcal infections, and they have been treated and fully recovered. Since 2025, one out of a total of three suspected cases has been confirmed. Unfortunately, the disease was severe in a short period, resulting in the death of a child. Diagnostic tests are being conducted on the two suspected cases to detect the pathogen. One suspected case occurred in Bayangol district and the other in Bayanzurkh district. The results of these two cases have not been finalized yet. In other words, there is no confirmed case of meningococcal infection yet. The test results will be available on February 4th and 6th. The clinical progress is relatively stable. One of the children in these two cases has not attended school since December 8th, when classes were off. The child was treated at home after developing cold symptoms when classes resumed. The family approached NCDC on January 31st. Measures were taken only for the household, and classmates were not infected as the child did not attend school. In the 311th new kindergarten of Bayanzurkh district, there were nine children, including one suspected case. The children were isolated at home, and no suspicious symptoms have appeared. Surveillance is ongoing from the NCDC. Last night, information related to meningococcal infection was posted on social media. Some people shared posts about meningococcal infection without specifying the disease that caused the child's death, along with their opinions. This resulted in the dissemination of incorrect information that the deceased child had a meningococcal infection," he said. Warning Media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must mention the source (ikon.mn) when using our information fully or partially.

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NCCD: No Increase in Suspected Cases of Meningococcal Infection

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: news.mn

A tragic incident occurred in Ulaanbaatar's Nalaikh district on January 28, 2025, where a young child being treated for meningococcal infection and severe meningococcemia septic shock with multiple organ failure sadly passed away. In response to the outbreak, a joint team from the National Center for Communicable Diseases and the Nalaikh District Health Center is working on resolution measures. Furthermore, due to meningococcal infection being registered in the capital, the Ministry of Health has directed public hospital leaders on how to prevent and address the spread of meningococcal infection across the city. Currently, suspected cases are being examined in Bayangol and Bayanzurkh districts. The information circulating online about a "suspected case of meningococcal infection in the 19th khoroo of Khan-Uul district being examined at the NCCD" is false, as reported by the NCCD. As of today, the number of suspected cases has not increased, and officials will provide an update on Monday.

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9-year-old girl's death from meningococcal infection is false, says the NCCD

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

Information about a 9-year-old girl's death due to meningococcal infection was circulated online. In response, the National Center for Communicable Diseases (NCCD) issued a statement saying, "The reported death of a 9-year-old child, which was posted on social media last Saturday, is not registered at the NCCD, and the claim that she contracted meningococcal infection is incorrect."

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This Month is Designated as Elderly Health Days, 17 Types of Diagnoses Will be Conducted

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

At the initiative of the Minister of Health, February has been designated as the "Month to Support Elderly Health," and 17 types of specialized preventive health check-ups and early detection diagnoses have been initiated at district health centers. About 180 elderly people were subjected to preventive and early detection check-ups at the Health Center of Khan-Uul District. This initiative will continue in all districts, where doctors and specialists from the First, Second, and Third State Central Hospitals, Mental Health National Center (SEMT), and specialists from the School of Dentistry of the Health Sciences University of Mongolia (HSUM) will work in teams to conduct consultations and diagnoses. The 17 types of check-ups and diagnoses include: - Endocrinology - Neurology - Neurosurgery - Psychiatry - Pulmonary Diseases and Allergies - Abdominal Ultrasound - Gastroscopy - Digestive System - Rheumatology - Oncology - Cardiology - Echocardiography - Electrocardiogram - Kidney and Renal Surgery - Ear, Nose, and Throat - Ophthalmology - Joint Surgery - Colorectal - Oral Cavity Source: Ministry of Health

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17 Types of Preventive Screenings for the Elderly

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: news.mn

By order of the Minister of Health, February has been designated as "Elderly Health Promotion Month," and 17 types of specialized preventive and early detection screenings were initiated at district Health Centers. As part of this initiative, approximately 180 senior citizens have been included in preventive and early detection screenings at the Health Center in Khan-Uul district. Expert doctors and specialists from the First National Central Hospital, the National Center for Communicable Diseases, and the Second State Central Hospital have formed teams to conduct screenings and treatments across all districts. The 17 types of screenings and diagnostics include: - Endocrinological examination - Neurological examination - Neurosurgery examination - Psychiatry examination - Pulmonary and allergy examination - Abdominal ultrasound - Gastroenteroscopy - Digestive tract examination - Rheumatology examination - Cardiovascular examination - Cardiac echocardiogram - Electrocardiogram - Nephrology examination - Kidney surgery examination - ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) examination - Ophthalmological examination - Infectious disease examination - Musculoskeletal surgery examination - Colonoscopy - Oral examination

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Sports

The MongolZ team wins the first match of the IEM Katowice 2025 tournament with a prize pool of 1 million dollars

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: ikon.mn

The group stage matches of the "Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025" tournament, ranked after the World Championship of "Counter Strike 2" in e-sports, are being held in Poland. Our country's team, "The MongolZ," is participating in this tournament with a total prize pool of 1 million dollars by invitation. They started the tournament from Group B and won their first match against the Dutch "Team Liquid" in a "Bo3" (best of three maps) format, with a score of 2:1. On the "Nuke" map, chosen by "Team Liquid," our team started on the defensive side and switched sides at 6:6. However, even after taking four more rounds on the attacking side, they lost 10:13. On their chosen "Mirage" map, they started on the attacking side and switched at 8:4. They then took seven rounds on the defensive side, securing a victory on this map with a score of 13:8. Finally, on the decisive "Ancient" map, our country's team won 13:11. Consequently, tomorrow at 23:00, they are set to play against Germany's "GamerLegion" for a chance to advance to the Playoffs stage. "The MongolZ" team is ranked third in the world, hence receiving an invitation to participate in the group stage of this tournament. A total of 24 teams are competing in the "Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025" tournament. In the preliminary stage, 16 teams played, and eight advanced to the group stage. The games of the 16 teams that made it to the A and B group stages will continue until February 5th. In the group stage, teams can lose once, and if they lose twice, their tournament ends. In the Playoffs, or knockout stage, a total of six teams will play in front of an audience at the arena in a direct elimination format. Warning: Please note that media organizations (Television, Radio, Social, and Web pages) must cite the source (ikon.mn) when using our information in whole or in part.

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The Sports Complex in Songinokhairkhan District Reopens with Modern Equipment

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

The comprehensive renovation of the Songinokhairkhan District Sports Complex has been completed, and it officially reopened yesterday. This sports complex has the capacity to conduct training in 18 types of sports, and it has been updated with modern equipment in its main hall, judo, freestyle wrestling, boxing, and fitness rooms. This renovation provides an opportunity for young athletes to train in a comfortable environment and contributes significantly to the development of public physical education. It also improves the facilities for district residents to spend their leisure time productively and to exercise. Source: State Committee for Physical Education and Sports.

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O.Saihanjargal: Competitors did not expect Mongolian athletes to lead the rankings at the 'World Cup'

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

Ice climbing is becoming a trendy sport that attracts young people from many countries, testing athletes’ speed, skill, and endurance while promoting respect for competitors, mutual learning, and sharing experiences. In Mongolia, several athletes have succeeded in ice, rock, mountain, and sport climbing. One of them is "Sutain Bor" and "X team" club member, Master of Sport, who placed fifth at the World Championships, O. Saihanjargal. He participated with his Mongolian teammates in the first series of the Ice Climbing 'World Cup', organized by the International Mountaineering Federation in Cheongsong, South Korea, competing in the speed category. Immediately after returning from that city, he trained on a 15-meter high ice wall at the "Nairamdal" center to participate in the next series in Switzerland. Let’s hear from him before he and his team head to Saas-Fee. - You will soon travel to Saas-Fee in Switzerland. How have the Mongolian team members continued their preparations for the second series of the 'World Cup'? - Personally, I have been preparing myself in every way to avoid mistakes and working on my mindset. In the first series in Korea, athletes competed against each other, but in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, they will race against the clock. Athletes will climb three times on the ice wall, and the one with the shortest time will be the winner. Every year, the competition has its unique characteristics. In the first series, the Iranian athletes proved to be strong competitors, returning home with gold and bronze medals. - Our athletes trained on the 15-meter high wall at the "Nairamdal" center and achieved good results in the first series, coming back with medals. You also played a significant role in this. - This was the 13th competition of the 'World Cup' I have participated in. In the first few years, we learned from foreign athletes and developed ourselves. Now we focus on implementing everything we’ve learned and experienced. The height of the ice climbing wall in Cheongsong was 12 meters. So, to climb faster and exert more than before, it was necessary to build an even higher wall. My friends, who love this sport and travel with me, quickly helped construct a 15-meter high ice wall at the "Nairamdal" center. International Master of Sport N. Kherlen, N. Seleng, and I trained hard before participating in the first series, and it paid off. - Compared to ten years ago, the Mongolian team is now able to compete on an equal level with the world’s top athletes. - When we first participated in the 'World Cup,' we didn’t even know what shoes to wear. We have come a long way, now competing head to head with the world’s best. Initially, the competition organizers helped us, but now they see us as competitors. Mongolian athletes have gained experience from competition to competition, and by mastering techniques, they have started achieving success since 2019. Ice climbing is a seasonal sport for Mongolians, so there is still much to learn to master everything we need. - You must have noticed the main advantage of Iranian athletes leading the competition during the competition. - Iranian athletes had competed two years before we first participated in the 'World Cup' series. We made great efforts to reach their level after seeing their talent and skill from the first day. We strive to learn and improve every year. They have a permanent training base. Even though theirs is a warm climate, their athletes train in a hall with minus degrees and climb ice walls. This is their advantage. When it gets cold, we build the wall and start preparing a month before the competition, so how can we match the speed of those who have trained all year? That's the difference. If we had a training base, we would not be far behind other countries. The main thing is that it requires quite a lot of funding. - Recently, many countries have been sending their athletes to series competitions, which has been evident over the past two years. - In the first series, athletes from 137 countries competed. Seeing that the dining hall tables were insufficient during the competition, the organizers said, 'Let's expand the hall next year.' After a few years interrupted by the pandemic, athletes from Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, the UK, and the USA returned with large delegations. As the number of participating countries increases, the competition becomes fiercer, and it becomes more difficult to qualify for the semifinals and win medals. The International Mountaineering Federation (IMF) aims to include ice climbing as an event in the Winter Olympics to be held in France in 2030. - Out of winter sports, ice climbing seems the most feasible to develop in Mongolia. - Yes. Mongolia has a climatic advantage for development. By the end of October, it gets cold and transitions into the winter season, so if winter walls are built and training starts early, athletes’ success would improve. We have discussed implementing what we have thought and planned next year. Member of the IMF Youth Commission, Batsaikhan said, 'There are two types of training for an athlete. One is physical and mental preparation, and the other is financial. Preparing finances is also a form of training. So, it’s important to ensure both. You should book your plane tickets a month in advance. When your mind is at ease, you can focus on the competition, and everything will come together. If you run around looking for ticket money a week before, you won’t succeed. I have done my job in one of these preparations. Ensure the rest yourselves,' he advised. - Combining ice climbing training with strength sports is attracting people’s interest. What are the benefits of training this way? - Strength training is essential for the speed category in ice climbing. Under the leadership of Mongolian weightlifting coach Ts. Hosbayar, we do strength training. He knows when to start and how to train. He tells us, 'There are two sports that race upward: one is climbing, the other is weightlifting. To be the world leader, training time is critical. You will be unbeatable by climbing 10, then 20, then 30,000 times. It’s like lifting weights without any repetition.' The longer the training period, the more consistent the level of achievement will be. - An Iranian athlete won the previous competition. Can you tell us something about his success? - Mohammad Reza Safdarian’s practice was strong, and his time interacting with the ice was longer than ours, leading to success. Mongolian athletes are no less than him in skill, experience, and feeling. During the competition in South Korea, coaches and experts from Poland, Hong Kong, and South Korea stated, 'Mongolians have become the strongest competitors in the speed category. Congratulations. Can we have joint training with you in the future?' When other country specialists offered the same to Iranian athletes, I sensed a reserved interest, as they seemed to be saying, 'We will prepare ourselves.' Iran and Mongolia are the two countries that have learned a lot from Russian athletes' techniques. A Polish specialist, watching International Master of Sport N. Seleng, commented, 'I see the Russian technique in the female Mongolian athlete's climbing.' Although Iranian and Mongolian athletes have learned a lot from their northern neighbors, they show the uniqueness of their country in competitions. - You also train under coach H. Nymdoo. What advice did he give before the competition? - Our success is greatly influenced by our coach at the Sutain Bor club, H. Nymdoo. He advised, 'You guys always exhaust your training. You get tired because you cram and practice right up to the scheduled competition time. Focus your mind, rest well, and go.' This year, we made efforts to focus on our training and mindset and kept away from unfavorable social media information. Previously, I did not limit social media use, keeping my phone open and feeling uneasy before and after practice. - Our athletes have participated in previous series in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. How adaptable is it to their environment, climate, and weather there? - The place where the ice climbing competition is held there is high and mountainous. It's over 2,000 meters above sea level. Training in high areas is more effective for us. The participants in the 'World Cup' would not have expected Mongolian athletes to lead the world rankings. Our team was well-prepared last year to not only compete but qualify for the top three places. This year, we confirmed it with our achievements. - Athletes have previously mentioned that the ice structure differs in different countries where the competition is organized. - The ice on the walls in South Korea is relatively softer than in other countries. Ice starts freezing in January there. The weather in Cheongsong is between -3 to -8 degrees, while in Mongolia, it's -15 in the day and -30 at night. The ice on the wall where we train is hard. The softness or hardness of the ice depends on the weather of the day. The colder it gets, the harder the ice becomes, making it difficult to use tools. Therefore, sensing the ice structure is important when climbing. Asian ice differs from European countries. It's not easy to feel and succeed like the athletes of that country when participating in their competitions. It's advantageous for the countries organizing big competitions. Recently, Japanese athletes were noted to be learning the speed category. Although we can’t constantly practice due to seasonal conditions, we focus heavily on the foundation of strength training for climbing. Mongolian athletes use equipment produced in Russia. In the first series, I participated using the blades I made myself. If it proves useful for future achievements, I plan to continue using them. - Did athletes take leave from their work or studies to participate in the 'World Cup' series? - People feel happy doing what they love. Although training is tiring, it is joyful. The last series will begin in Edmonton, Canada. The World Championships were held there last year. We'll be participating in the competition during the Tsagaan Sar celebrations in Mongolia. - What do you try to notice first in the countries you step into? - Aside from the competition, I have traveled to many countries for tourism. Of them, the town of Saas-Fee in Switzerland leaves a pleasant impression. There is a 7-hour time difference from Mongolia. A large parking area for cars is outside the gate to the town. Supplies within the town are transported by electric cars. We trained mainly in the evenings to adjust to the competition’s time zone. As it is a mountainous area, athletes consume more calorie-dense food during competitions. When coming down from the mountains, due to the warmer climate, they tend to eat more fruits and vegetables. Residents of the town where the competition is organized have a traditional European way of life. Their diet is adapted to the weather, climate, and special conditions of their living environment. On this note, I wish all the athletes participating in the five 'World Cup' series success. Until 2025, keep working diligently toward your goals, learn from your mistakes, and improve your training. Also, I encourage the younger ones practicing this sport to remain dedicated and strive for success. I want to express gratitude to the Sutain Bor club’s coach and athletes and my coach, D. Batjargal, who laid the foundation for me to become a climber, and O. Batsaikhan, a member of the IMF's Youth Commission, who always helps and supports us.

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The MongolZ Secures a Hard-Fought Victory in Their Opening Match of 2025

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: gogo.mn

"IEM Katowice 2025" with a $1,000,000 prize pool is the first tournament The MongolZ has been directly invited to in the main stage. The "Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025," one of the major CS2 (Counter Strike 2) tournaments held annually by ESL, is ongoing in Katowice, Poland. The Mongolian team, "The MongolZ," was directly invited to the group stage based on their world ranking at the tournament with a $1,000,000 prize pool and played their first match today. They faced the Canadian team "Team Liquid," led by Russell "Twistzz" Van Dalken, and won 2-1 with scores of (Nuke 10-13, Mirage 13-8, Ancient 13-11). In the match, Banzragch "910" Usukhbayar led his team with a performance of 95.2 ADR (Average Damage per Round) and a +11 K-D (Kill and Death) ratio, while Munkhbold "Senzu" Azbayar, who recently broke his arm, finished with 67.1 ADR and a -6 K-D ratio. The MongolZ is set to participate in the "PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025" tournament mid-February and will play against the Swedish team "GamerLegion," led by Erik "ztr" Gustavson, at 23:00 tomorrow. Meanwhile, Team Liquid will compete against "MOUZ," a team that has recently changed its captain, at 20:30 tomorrow after dropping down. In the main part of the tournament, eight top-ranked teams in the world receive direct invitations, while another eight secure their places from the Play-In stage. A total of 16 teams are divided into two groups, and three teams from each group will advance to the Playoffs.

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State and Provincial Title Wrestling Competition of Armed Forces

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

The traditional State and Provincial Title Wrestling Competition of the Armed Forces, organized by the "Aldar" Sports Committee of the Ministry of Defense, was held today in the hall of the "Aldar" Sports Committee. In this wrestling competition, the following athletes participated: - National Lion (Ulsyn Arslan) B. Orkhonbayar - C. Byamba-Otgon - R. Purevdavga - National Elephant (Ulsyn Zaan) S. Sukhabat - National Falcon (Ulsyn Khartsaga) B. Zorigtbaatar - L. Lkha-Ochir - Sh. Purevgard - O. Munkh-Erdene - E. Uuganbayar - B. Tsedensodnom - G. Badrakh - National Lighting (Ulsyn Nachin) B. Tuvshintugs - T. Dugerdorj - E. Batmagnai - L. Enkhsaruul - Provincial Acute Lion (Aimgyn Khurts Arslan) D. Altantsooj - O. Naranbaatar - N. Amgalanbaatar - Military Elephant (Tsergiyn Zaan) O. Batsuuri - Provincial Falcon (Aimgyn Khartsaga) G. Gantulga - Military Lightning (Ts/Kh) D. Turbayar - Provincial Lightning (Aimgyn Nachin) B. Gonchigsuren As a result, National Lion B. Orkhonbayar emerged as the champion, with National Falcon B. Zorigtbaatar claiming the runner-up position. National Falcon O. Munkh-Erdene and National Lightning E. Batmagnai reached the semi-finals.

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Schedule for Wrestling Competitions in February

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: news.mn

The Mongolian National Wrestling Federation (MÜBKH) presents the schedule for wrestling competitions to be held in February. February 2 at 11:00 AM: Wrestling competition for provincial titleholders and young wrestlers named after the Council Against Cancer (No limit on number of participants). February 8 at 11:00 AM: Wrestling competition with 128 powerful wrestlers holding national, aimag, military, and sumo titles, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Erdenemandal sum of Arkhangai aimag. February 9 at 1:00 PM: “Blessings of the Bayanzurkh Mountain” wrestling competition with 128 powerful wrestlers holding national, aimag, military, and sumo titles. February 15 at 1:00 PM: Wrestling competition with 128 powerful wrestlers holding national, aimag, military, and sumo titles, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the Tsagaan-Ovoo sum of Dornod aimag, in honor of Mongolian National Naadam winner Dondog's Tsogzoldorj. February 16-23: "Winter Nomad – 2025" festival will include “Camel Train Wrestlers” event with participation from wrestlers with national, aimag, and sumo titles, as well as young wrestlers, organized in collaboration with SSAZH. Tsagaan Sar wrestling series: February 20 at 11:00 AM: Youth (3 age groups) wrestling competition dedicated to the Lunar New Year celebration. February 23 at 9:00 AM: Wrestling players' ankle shooting competition dedicated to the Lunar New Year celebration. February 24 at 11:00 AM: Traditional wrestling competition for provincial titleholders and young wrestlers dedicated to Lunar New Year at Tarvalin Khuree Monastery (No limit on number of participants). February 25 at 11:00 AM: Traditional wrestling competition for 256 wrestlers with aimag, military, and sumo titles, as well as young wrestlers, dedicated to the Lunar New Year at Dashchoilin Monastery. February 26 at 1:00 PM: Preliminary wrestling competition for 800 wrestlers with aimag, military, and sumo titles to earn the right to participate in the Lunar Year's Eve wrestling match (200 wrestlers who pass 2 rounds and based on ranking points). February 27 at 1:00 PM: Rounds 1-2 of the traditional wrestling competition for 256 powerful wrestlers with national, aimag, military, and sumo titles dedicated to the Lunar New Year of the Snake. February 28 at 1:00 PM: Rounds 3-8 of the traditional wrestling competition for 256 powerful wrestlers with national, aimag, military, and sumo titles dedicated to the Lunar New Year of the Snake.

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Arts

Kh. Ulziisaikhan: The Melody of the Morin Khuur Expresses the History, Culture, and Traditions of Mongolia

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: unuudur.mn

I had a conversation with Kh. Ulziisaikhan, the founder of "Naïr" Entertainment and the gathering "Höög Tegshirrlee" for morin khuur enthusiasts. He is devoted to making the marvel of morin khuur music inherit and advance through generations by preparing online lessons for the public. In addition, he initiated and implemented the "Höög Tegshirrlee" project. - Could you share how your life became intertwined with morin khuur music? - I've been learning the morin khuur since 2012. I first came to it through a public course at a training center. During high school, I registered at the "Khaan Khuur" training center. At that time, I didn't have any particular expectations. Most people think of the song "Jalam Khar" when they hear "morin khuur." I thought in a similar way, planning to learn that song. I studied there for more than three years, entering many competitions to challenge myself. When it came time to choose a career, I realized that playing the morin khuur was closest to me and something I could excel at. So, I enrolled at the University of Arts and Culture. Before I knew it, morin khuur music had become a valuable and inseparable part of my life. - Could you share a memory of your first performance on stage? - My first stage experience was during a competition. I played the well-known Mongolian piece "Ülemjis Chanar." It was an overwhelming mix of fear, excitement, and nerves all at the same time. Although I speak calmly about it now, at the time, I wasn't fully aware of what was happening or who was speaking around me. I had only been learning to play the morin khuur for about three months when I entered my first competition. I wasn't prepared fully, but I wanted to challenge myself, so I joined. I didn't make it past the first round, but for me, the important thing was participating, challenging myself, and understanding where I stood. Since then, I've made sure to prepare thoroughly for any competition. That first stage experience taught me a lot. - Please tell us about the "Khöög-Jim" training center and the "Khöög Tegshirrlee" project. How did they start, and when did they begin? - Our training involves a tradition where older students teach what they have learned to the younger ones, giving the teacher some rest. I continued learning by this principle, which helped me gain a good understanding of teaching methods. Using this experience, I opened my morin khuur training center in 2018, running it consistently for six years. Later, for personal reasons, I turned the center into the "Khöög-Jim" Foundation, a non-governmental organization, changing its focus as well. Besides, our center conducted training not only for morin khuur but also piano and guitar, among others. Together with teacher O. Munkh-Erdene, we also make online content about morin khuur. At the time, such online lessons were rare for self-learners. I founded the "Khöög-Jim" training center with four friends. Looking back, we were just kids with a passion for trying and exploring new things. Throughout, we organized many music events and training. There were ups and downs, of course, and quite a few events as well. We talked about how nice it would be to hold a "Höög Tegshirrlee" meeting for morin khuur enthusiasts. From 2021, we've been organizing this event. - What is the main goal and significance of the "Höög Tegshirrlee" gathering for morin khuur lovers? - Since 2021, we have organized this event twice a year under the "Höög Tegshirrlee" project. Those who love morin khuur music and respect our national heritage attend. Some even come with their families. Within this framework, we invite successful people in the field to talk about the origins and history of music. It's also a day where we learn together, share experiences, and spend a day "traveling" through the history of morin khuur music. It is especially beneficial for beginners learning the morin khuur. There is also a "Höög Tegshirrlee" group on Facebook for morin khuur enthusiasts, where we freely share what we've learned. We decided to organize this event so that those who have learned together can at least meet once a year. Above all, the purpose was to ensure that anyone interested in the morin khuur does not leave out of frustration, but retains their love for this music. This project and meeting were initiated with that desire. - You founded the "Nair" Entertainment dedicated to national art. Do you mostly organize events focused on Mongolian dance, song, and music? - "Nair" Entertainment was established in January 2022. Most of our artists have over ten years of experience. We are currently active in national arts focusing on Mongolian dance, song, and music, primarily working on traditional celebrations such as haircutting ceremonies and weddings. In general, we are a performing organization specialized in national arts. Before us, many other organizations like theaters and ensembles organized weddings and celebrations as a sideline. But we are unique as a commercial organization providing only national arts services. We currently have nine singers, twelve musicians, and six dancers. In April, we plan to perform in Japan. The morin khuur is developing at a much higher level than other national musical instruments. The main influencing factor is public support. For example, it is a big support for us that people invite morin khuur players to celebrate traditional ceremonies like Tsagaan Sar and hair-cutting ceremonies to "rid" their homes of "demons." It's like an investment in our heritage, ensuring its future. Because Mongolians have loved and protected it as a whole, the morin khuur hasn't perished or assimilated into another culture. - What is the most in-demand service your organization offers? - Organizing hair-cutting and honorary title ceremonies is the most common. Hair-cutting ceremonies are one way to promote and transmit our cultural heritage and worldview. Not many countries show such respect when cutting a child's hair for the first time. During this ceremony, children gain foundational knowledge from observing how family members bless them, from things like long song and morin khuur music. It's a form of keeping traditional customs alive. Although I am trained as a morin khuur musician, entering the entertainment industry has required learning about cultural studies and transmission techniques. It's interesting to study how cultural traditions evolved from their origins to the present, and how we should correctly pass them on to future generations. Through this, my work has become even more interesting to me. - There has been some controversy about the prelude music for events criticized online. What is your opinion on this as someone involved in this area? - A person recently posted about the prelude quartet online, which unexpectedly went viral and sparked discussion among hundreds of people. I was disheartened by this, seeing it giving the public a wrong impression. Even if it's not a major national issue, people were very interested in it. Someone commented that the set-up was disrespectful to the musicians, like a "shoe rag sprawled at the entrance." Although the person might be meaning to express an appreciation for national music, it serves to undermine the tradition instead. Originally, classical music and the quartet format were developed in European countries. The standard combination includes four string instruments forming a string ensemble. Generally, any configuration of instruments can form a quartet. Besides just violins, it can include a piano. A quartet simply refers to an ensemble of four pieces. The instruments used here, the violin, viola, and cello, are considered classical. Initially, it was quite an opulent feature reserved for royalty to welcome honored guests with comfort and pleasure. Just like perfumes at the entrance of a big store create a pleasant environment, event prelude music is a delightful touch for significant life occasions like a wedding or award ceremony. It's a means of warmly welcoming guests, so we can't dismiss these cultural practices. It's very narrow-minded to see the quartet simply "sitting at the door." Musicians are doing what they love and are honored to partake in significant moments of others' lives. Prelude music is meant to soothe guests, help them acclimate, and facilitate conversation. In overly silent surroundings, people tend to interact less. Simply put, it's meant to provide a pleasant atmosphere, not to command full attention like on a stage. Sitting at the door isn't wrong; it brings the music closer to you. So, I hope people can see things positively. Prelude music can be arranged according to the ambiance and symbolism of the event, using violins, morin khuur, saxophones, or any instrument suited to the occasion. For instance, guests at weddings or honorary ceremonies often wear traditional attire, so accompanying instruments like the morin khuur would suit the atmosphere well. Conversely, modern celebrations like New Year or birthdays may fit better with saxophone, violin, or piano. - These days, more Mongolians are inviting national music into their homes and sending their children to morin khuur classes. Do you have advice for young people choosing to learn this instrument? - The simplest advice is to be inquisitive. With the advancement of technology, it's important to be eager to find what you want to learn. This way, your understanding will widen, and you'll begin to realize what you're aiming to learn. - What distinguishes the morin khuur from other instruments? - People often talk about distinctive features of the morin khuur instrument itself, like its hollow string and horsehair strings. But in my view, the uniqueness lies in how it, along with its sounds and melodies, represents Mongolian history, culture, traditional customs, and the worldview of the Mongolian people. The sound the morin khuur produces is an expressive medium of our identity.

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"The Trap of Wife" Korean Drama to be Officially Released on Netflix

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: isee.mn

"The Trap of Wife," a Korean drama series, is set to be officially released on Netflix. Netflix recently announced the list of Korean works planned to premiere in February under the title "New Releases on Netflix in February." Among these films is "The Trap of Wife," a well-known drama produced by South Korea's SBS television, which is familiar to Mongolian audiences. It is slated to be released on February 24th. Source: Topstar news

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Weekend Entertainment Schedule

Published: 2025-02-02 | Translated from: news.mn

Are you still working on how to spend your weekend evening? Let us inform you about the art and cultural events happening. A. ADAN "GISELLE"
A. Adan's "Giselle" ballet will be performed again in its original version. Once, the French writer, poet, and theater critic T. Gautier was reading a book by G. Heine when a wonderfully beautiful idea came to his mind. Later, he addressed Heine saying, "Dear Heine, while leafing through the pages of your wonderful book 'About Germany', I came across evocative passages about the thick mist, moonlight along the banks of the Grace and Rhine Rivers, and white-clad elves, nymphs, and willis possessed by a desire to dance. And I exclaimed that with this, a strangely beautiful ballet could be made." On February 1st and 2nd, 2025, at 17:00, A. Adan's "Giselle" ballet will feature MUGJ B. Saruul, MSTA M. Nandintsetseg as Giselle, and MSTA Kh. Galtulga, B. Dulguun as Albert in leading roles. MSBA "NATIONAL LEAGUE" 2024-2025
A game from the Mongolian Basketball Association's 2024-2025 National League will be held on February 2nd at UG Arena. Schedule:
11:10 – DARKHAN UNITED – ERDENET MINERS (MEN)
13:40 – KHULEGUUD- BISHRELT METALL (MEN)
16:10 – KHULEGUUD – ARAVT (WOMEN’S PLAYOFF)
18:40 – SG APES – SELENGE BODONS (MEN)
MOVIES ON SCREEN
Mongolian and international top cinematic works are shown in all cinemas until 23:00 on weekend evenings.

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