In the heart of China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the ancient Mongolian wrestling tradition of Bökh – a term meaning 'unbreakable and unbeatable' – is experiencing a vibrant revival. National-level inheritor Mengke Nasun, who first encountered the sport at age 12, has transformed Wusu City into a hub for preserving this 2,000-year-old practice. Through his advocacy, Bökh has been integrated into local school curricula, introducing a new generation to its dynamic throws and symbolic rituals.
More than physical combat, Bökh embodies Mongolia's nomadic spirit through its emphasis on honor, resilience, and mutual respect. Competitors wear traditional zodog jackets and shuudag trousers while performing eagle-like dances before matches – a ritual Mengke describes as 'conversation between history and the present.'
'Bökh teaches us that true strength lies in mastering oneself,' says Mengke, whose training programs now reach over 3,000 students annually. The sport's growing popularity reflects broader interest in preserving cultural heritage while fostering community bonds across generations.
