The upcoming “Paris – 2024 Olympic Games” highlights a significant moment for Mongolia, with insights from Batbold Battushig, President of the National Olympic Committee of Mongolia. Battushig, who has held leadership roles since 2017, shared his perspectives on the nation’s Olympic journey and aspirations for the future.
– With the Olympics approaching, what are your expectations for the success of Mongolia’s athletes?
Predicting success is always challenging, particularly when it can create pressure on athletes. Since its debut at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, Mongolia has consistently improved its performance in the Summer Olympic Games. Despite challenges, such as the pandemic, two Mongolian athletes proudly represented the nation at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. With a population of just 3.5 million, Mongolia has garnered an impressive 30 Olympic medals, showcasing the nation’s inherent talent in sports.
The Mongolian team for the Paris 2024 Olympics will feature a near equal number of male and female athletes, reflecting gender equality initiatives set forth by the International Olympic Committee. Additionally, a “Mongolia House” will be constructed in “La Villette” park in Paris to showcase national heritage and culture during the Olympics. This initiative is a collaborative effort supported by multiple government institutions and aims to promote Mongolia to an international audience.
Efforts to promote Mongolia are bolstered by the national air carrier MIAT, which is providing discounts on flights and free transportation for athletes’ sports apparel. The Mongolia National Olympic Committee has also expressed gratitude towards the organizations aiding this mission, a vision that originated during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and was further pursued for Tokyo 2020 amidst pandemic restrictions.
Moreover, a key ambition for Mongolia is to propose hosting the 2027 session of the International Olympic Committee and the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, capitalizing on its Olympic legacy and potential as a host country.
– How do you assess the growth of professional sports and Olympism in Mongolia?
Mongolia proudly maintains its membership in the International Olympic Committee, allowing it a voice in significant Olympic policy decisions. With sports not yet fully commercialized in Mongolia, popular support is critical for growth. Unlike nations like South Korea and Japan, Mongolian sports lack mass engagement, though Olympic sports such as wrestling, judo, and boxing have seen some success.
The vision for development emphasizes the need for grassroots engagement in physical activities to nurture future athletes while promoting Olympic values and educational programs. Collaborations with health organizations underline the importance of physical activity and nutrition, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
– What future endeavors do you foresee post-Paris Olympics?
After the upcoming Olympics, strategic partnerships with government entities, the private sector, and commercial entities will be vital to enhancing Mongolia’s sports infrastructure. Plans include a stadium for hosting large-scale events like the Youth Olympics, aiming to foster national pride and international recognition through sports.
– How do business and sports intersect in your future plans?
Sustained growth in business and sports development is essential for Mongolia, as sponsorship and funding for sports remains a significant challenge. Successful businesses could support national sports and Olympic initiatives, with collaborations leading to successful events like the Mongolia House at international competitions. The role of corporate partners will be crucial moving forward, especially in promoting projects that enhance the Olympic movement and the visibility of Mongolia on the global stage.
Continued success in these ventures could pave the way for Mongolia to host future major sporting events, further showcasing the nation’s potential and cultural richness.
ECNETNews
