Famous Mongolian Sportspersons

Terunofuji Haruo is a Mongolian-Japanese professional sumo wrestler who has had a remarkable career marked by both triumphs and challenges. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning promotions to ōzeki and later yokozuna. Despite facing knee injuries and health issues, he displayed resilience by making successful comebacks from demotions and lower division placements. With ten top division championships, multiple runner-up finishes, and special prizes, Terunofuji's career is celebrated as a remarkable tale of perseverance and accomplishment in the world of sumo.

Saeid Mollaei is an accomplished Iranian judoka who made headlines for his courage in standing up against political pressures. He started his judo career at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a top competitor in the half-middleweight category. Despite facing challenges and orders to lose intentionally, Mollaei displayed immense resilience and integrity by refusing to compromise his values. He eventually sought refuge in Europe and later became a citizen of Mongolia before representing Azerbaijan in May 2022.

Kakuryū Rikisaburō, a former professional sumo wrestler from Mongolia, had a successful career in the makuuchi division, reaching the prestigious rank of yokozuna. He achieved notable milestones such as becoming an ōzeki and later a yokozuna after impressive tournament performances. Despite facing injury challenges, Kakuryū displayed resilience, returning to form to win multiple championships. He also transitioned to Japanese citizenship during his career. After retiring from active competition, he continues to contribute to the sport as an elder in the Japan Sumo Association.

Mandukhai Khatun, also known as Mandukhai Setsen Khatun, was a prominent figure in Mongolian history as a Khatun of the Northern Yuan. She played a crucial role in uniting the warring Mongol tribes alongside her second husband, Batmunkh Dayan Khan. Mandukhai's leadership and strategic prowess were instrumental in bringing about stability and peace among the Mongols during a tumultuous period. Her efforts in diplomacy and governance left a lasting legacy in the region.

Jigjidiin Mönkhbat was a highly accomplished Mongolian wrestler known for his exceptional skills and achievements in the sport. He gained recognition as the 1968 Olympic vice-champion in the 87 kg category. Throughout his career, Mönkhbat showcased his talent by winning medals at various prestigious events, including the World Wrestling Championships and the Summer Olympics. His remarkable undefeated record in the Olympics and his impressive six Naadam championship wins solidified his status as a State Grand Champion in Mongolian wrestling.

Ganzorigiin Mandakhnaran is a male Mongolian wrestler who competes in the 66 kilograms (146 lb) category in freestyle wrestling. He is a two-time world bronze medalist and participated in the Ivan Yarygin 2016 competition. Mandakhnaran reached 5th place in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, narrowly missing out on a bronze medal due to controversial circumstances involving his actions in the final seconds of the match. Despite this incident, he remains a respected figure in the wrestling community for his skills and achievements.

Otryadyn Gündegmaa is a highly accomplished Mongolian sport shooter known for her impressive performances in the 10 m and 25 m pistol events at multiple Summer Olympics. With notable achievements including a silver medal in the 25 m pistol event at the 2008 Olympics, she has consistently showcased her skill and dedication throughout her career. Gündegmaa's competitive spirit and strong results have solidified her reputation as a talented and respected athlete in the sport shooting community.

Soronzonboldyn Battsetseg is a pioneering Mongolian wrestler, known for her groundbreaking achievements in the sport. She made history as Mongolia's first female gold medalist at the World Wrestling Championships and secured a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games. Battsetseg's triumphs have not only brought recognition to Mongolia in wrestling but have also earned her prestigious accolades such as the Hero of Labour of Mongolia and the Order of Sukhbaatar. Her professional journey showcases dedication, skill, and a trailblazing spirit in the world of wrestling.

Enkhbatyn Badar-Uugan is a retired boxer from Mongolia who made history by becoming the first Olympic boxing champion from his country at the 2008 Summer Olympics. He achieved this feat by winning the gold medal in the Bantamweight (-54 kg) division. His victory was significant as he was only the second Mongolian athlete to secure an Olympic gold, following judoka Naidangiin Tüvshinbayar. Enkhbatyn Badar-Uugan's successful boxing career and groundbreaking achievement have left a lasting legacy in Mongolian sports history.

Erdenebatyn Tsendbaatar is a successful Mongolian boxer known for his achievements in international competitions. He represented Mongolia in the bantamweight event at the 2016 Summer Olympics, reaching the quarterfinals. In 2018, he secured a gold medal at the Asian Games, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. Tsendbaatar's professional career is marked by his impressive performances on the international stage, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and accomplished boxer.

Blue Wolf, also known as Dolgorsürengiin Serjbüdee, is a retired Mongolian professional wrestler who made a name for himself in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). He gained recognition for his performances in the ring under the moniker Blue Wolf. In addition to his wrestling career, he briefly ventured into mixed martial arts in 2004 and secured a victory over fellow wrestler Tom Howard. Blue Wolf's legacy is marked by his time in NJPW and his notable foray into MMA, showcasing his versatility and skill in combat sports.

Dorjnyambuugiin Otgondalai is a highly accomplished Mongolian lightweight boxer, known for his impressive achievements in the sporting world. With a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games and a bronze medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics, he has solidified his reputation as a top-tier athlete. His talent and dedication have earned him the honor of being the flag bearer for Mongolia at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Summer Olympics, showcasing his leadership and prominence in the international boxing community.

Badmaanyambuugiin Bat-Erdene is a prominent Mongolian politician and former athlete known for his success in wrestling. He is celebrated for his achievements in national non-jacketed wrestling formats and for winning a gold medal in the Sambo jacket wrestling at the 1989 World Sambo Championships in the over 100 kg heavyweight division. In addition to his athletic career, Bat-Erdene served as the Defense Minister of Mongolia from 2016 to July 2017, showcasing his dedication to both sports and public service.

Khorloogiin Bayanmönkh is a renowned retired Mongolian wrestler, known for his exceptional achievements in the sport. With a silver medal at the 1972 Summer Olympics, he showcased his prowess in the men's freestyle heavyweight category. Throughout his career, Bayanmönkh secured 10 championship wins in Mongolian wrestling, solidifying his status as one of the most successful wrestlers in the country. His dedication and skill were recognized with prestigious titles and honors, including the Merited Master of Sport of the USSR. His retirement in 2022 marked the end of a remarkable wrestling career celebrated during the Naadam festival.

Munkhbayar Dorjsuren is a renowned Mongolian-German sport shooter with a successful career spanning several decades. She has represented both Mongolia and Germany in international competitions, earning Olympic bronze medals in the Women's 25 metre pistol event in 1992 and 2008 respectively. Dorjsuren is known for her expertise in the 25 metre and 10 metre air pistol events, showcasing exceptional skill and precision throughout her professional shooting career. Her achievements have solidified her reputation as a top athlete in the sport shooting community.

Asashōryū Akinori was a highly successful Mongolian professional sumo wrestler who became the 68th yokozuna in Japan. Known for his exceptional achievements, he was the first Mongolian to reach sumo's highest rank and the first wrestler to win all six official tournaments in a single year. Throughout his career, he won a total of 25 top division tournament championships, placing him fourth on the all-time list. Despite his success, Asashōryū faced criticism for his behavior and was ultimately forced to retire due to a series of controversies both on and off the dohyō.

Tugstsogt Nyambayar is a successful Mongolian professional boxer, known for holding the IBO featherweight title in 2019 and challenging for the WBC featherweight title in 2020. Prior to his professional career, he achieved notable success as an amateur boxer, winning silver medals at the 2009 World Championships and the 2012 London Olympics. Through his dedication and skill, Nyambayar has made a significant impact in the boxing world, showcasing his talent and determination in both amateur and professional competitions.

Batchimeg Tuvshintugs is a highly accomplished Mongolian chess player holding the titles of International Master (IM) and Woman Grandmaster (WGM). She has won the Mongolian Women's Chess Championship twice and has represented Mongolia in various prestigious team events such as the Women's Chess Olympiad and Women's Asian Team Chess Championship. Batchimeg also competed for the United States for a period, showcasing her skills at events like the U.S. Chess Championship. Her impressive performances have earned her norms for multiple titles, including Woman Grandmaster and Grandmaster.

Tungalagiin Sanchir is a prominent Mongolian professional basketball player known for his successful career in both Mongolia and the Philippines. He has played for notable teams such as Mon-Altius Madimos Falcons in Mongolia and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Basketball Association. Sanchir has also represented the Mongolian national team in international competitions, showcasing his skills and leadership on the court. Despite some changes in his basketball journey, Sanchir remains a highly respected figure in the world of Mongolian basketball.

Bat-Ochiryn "Ziggy" Ser-Od is a prominent Mongolian long-distance runner known for his achievements in the marathon. He has represented Mongolia at multiple Summer Olympics and World Championships in Athletics, showcasing his talent and dedication on the international stage. With a personal best of 2:08:50, he holds the Mongolian national record and has claimed titles such as the 2013 Asian Marathon Champion. Ser-Od's career highlights include victories at prestigious marathons like the Brighton Marathon and Hofu Yomiuri Marathon, as well as impressive top ten finishes at events like the Berlin Marathon and London Marathon.

Pürevdorjiin Serdamba is a retired Mongolian amateur boxer known for his achievements in the sport. He achieved significant success during his career, including winning a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics in the junior flyweight division. In 2009, he made history by becoming the first Mongolian to win a gold medal at the World Amateur Boxing Championships. Serdamba's outstanding performances and accomplishments in the boxing world have solidified his legacy as a talented and respected athlete.

Lakva Sim is a retired Mongolian professional boxer who competed from 1995 to 2005. He achieved significant success in his career by becoming a world champion in two weight classes. In 1999, he held the WBA super-featherweight title, followed by securing the WBA lightweight title in 2004. Sim's accomplishments mark him as the first Mongolian boxer to capture a world title, solidifying his legacy in the sport. His dedication and skill have left a lasting impact on the boxing world.

Uranchimegiin Mönkh-Erdene is a highly accomplished amateur boxer from Mongolia, known for his participation in multiple Olympics and winning a bronze medal in 2012. In 2017, he showcased his skills by winning a Silver medal at the Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands, defeating notable opponents along the way. Mönkh-Erdene's professional career is defined by his remarkable achievements in international competitions, where he consistently demonstrates his talent and determination in the ring, earning respect and admiration from fans and competitors alike.

Sainjargalyn Nyam-Ochir is a retired Mongolian judoka who achieved success at the 2012 Summer Olympics by winning a bronze medal in the 73 kg category. After defeating opponents like Christopher Völk and Volodymyr Soroka, Nyam-Ochir was eventually bested by Mansur Isaev in the quarterfinals. Despite this loss, he persevered through the repechage rounds, securing victories over Nicholas Delpopolo and Dex Elmont to claim the bronze medal. Currently, Nyam-Ochir shares his expertise as a coach at Eastside Dojo in Plano, TX.

Tuvshinbayar Naidan is a retired Mongolian professional judoka who has achieved significant success in his career. He is an Olympic Champion, Olympic silver medalist, Asian Games champion, and has won medals at various World Championships and Asian Championships. Naidan's accomplishments include multiple gold, silver, and bronze medals in the -100 kg division. Despite his success, Naidan's professional career took a dark turn when he was sentenced to a sixteen-year jail term for a fatal assault on his childhood friend and fellow judoka.

Davaadorjiin Tömörkhüleg is a successful Mongolian judoka known for competing in the men's ‍–‍66 kg category. He has achieved notable victories, including two-time Asian Championships winner in 2013 and 2014, with bronze medals in 2015 and 2016. Tömörkhüleg also secured a silver medal at the 2011 Asian Championships in the ‍–‍60 kg division and two silver medals at the World Juniors Championships in 2008 and 2009. Despite challenges, such as a defeat at the 2012 Summer Olympics and a loss in the repechage at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Tömörkhüleg's dedication to judo remains evident in his competitive career.

Zevegiin Oidov is a retired Mongolian wrestler who achieved significant success in his wrestling career. He won a silver medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in the freestyle 62 kg class and earned two world champion titles in 1974 and 1975 in the same weight class. In 1977, he competed in the freestyle 68 kg class and secured a bronze medal. Throughout his professional life, Oidov demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to the sport of wrestling, leaving a lasting legacy in Mongolian wrestling history.

Nataliya Trafimava is a retired Belarusian basketball player known for her participation in the 2008 Summer Olympics. Throughout her professional career, she demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication to the sport, earning recognition for her talent on the court. Trafimava's contributions to the Belarusian basketball scene were significant, and she was widely respected for her work ethic and leadership abilities. Her involvement in high-profile events like the Olympics further solidified her reputation as a top athlete in the world of basketball.

Jadamba Narantungalag is a versatile Mongolian combat sports athlete with a successful career in mixed martial arts, kickboxing, and grappling. Throughout his professional journey, he has competed in renowned organizations such as World Victory Road, K-1 MAX, Legend FC, Art of War Fighting Championship, and ONE Championship. Notably, Narantungalag has faced formidable opponents like Masato, Buakaw Banchamek, and Albert Kraus in the realm of K-1 kickboxing, showcasing his skill, determination, and resilience in the ring.

Mönkhbatyn Urantsetseg is a highly accomplished Mongolian sambist and judoka, having achieved significant success in both sports throughout her career. She made history as the first female world champion in judo from Mongolia in 2013 and has continued to excel in international competitions, winning medals at prestigious events such as the Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Judo Championships. With notable achievements including multiple World Championships in sambo and consistent podium finishes in judo, Urantsetseg has established herself as a formidable and respected athlete in both disciplines.

Dorjsürengiin Sumiyaa is a highly accomplished Mongolian judoka with a successful career in the sport. She has participated in multiple Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Championships, winning numerous medals including silver and gold. Known for her resilience and skill, Dorjsürengiin has consistently performed at a high level, showcasing her talent on both national and international stages. Her remarkable achievements have solidified her reputation as a top judoka in her weight category, inspiring many with her dedication and success.

Choijiljavyn "Choi" Tseveenpürev is a Mongolian featherweight boxer currently based in the United Kingdom. He achieved success by winning the Prizefighter series Featherweights tournament in October 2011, at the age of 40. Prior to this, he secured a significant victory over former IBO featherweight champion Jackson Asiku in June 2011. Tseveenpürev's boxing skills and determination have earned him recognition in the British boxing scene, with his fight against Asiku being nominated for the prestigious title of British boxing fight of the year.

Pürevdorjiin Orkhon is a highly accomplished Mongolian freestyle wrestler with notable achievements in international competitions. She represented Mongolia at the 2016 Summer Olympics and won a gold medal at the Paris World Wrestling Championships in 2017. Her dedication and skill in the sport were further evident when she secured a quota place for Mongolia at the 2024 Summer Olympics after competing at the Asian Wrestling Olympic Qualification Tournament. Orkhon's success and determination have solidified her reputation as a top athlete in the world of freestyle wrestling.

Galbadrakhyn Otgontsetseg is a successful judoka who has made a mark in the sport on an international level. She represented Kazakhstan at the 2016 Summer Olympics, securing a bronze medal in the −48 kg event. Originally from Mongolia, Otgontsetseg became a Kazakhstani citizen in 2015. Her dedication and skill in judo have earned her recognition and respect in the sporting world, showcasing her talent and determination to succeed at the highest levels of competition.

Khashbaataryn Tsagaanbaatar is a highly accomplished judoka from Mongolia, known for his exceptional achievements in various prestigious competitions. He secured a bronze medal in judo at the 2004 Summer Olympics and became the first Mongolian to claim a gold medal at the World Judo Championships in 2009. Additionally, he clinched a gold medal at the 2006 Asian Games and emerged victorious in the ‍–‍66 kg weight division at the 2007 New York Open with the kata guruma technique. His impressive track record showcases his skill and determination in the sport.

Esui, also known as Erdenebilegiin Bolormaa, is a trailblazing Mongolian professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. She has made a significant impact as Mongolia's first female professional wrestler and the country's inaugural female mixed martial artist. Esui has garnered acclaim for her skills and contributions to the world of professional wrestling and MMA. Through her dedication and talent, she has paved the way for future generations of female athletes in Mongolia and has left a lasting legacy in both sports.

Tsogto Amara is a renowned Lightweight Mongolian Kyokushin kickboxer with a successful career in various prestigious organizations such as the All Japan Kickboxing Federation, Shoot Boxing, and K-1. Known for his exceptional skills and fierce fighting style, Amara has gained recognition and respect in the competitive world of kickboxing. Throughout his professional journey, he has showcased his talent and determination, competing against top athletes and leaving a lasting impact on the sport with his impressive performances and accomplishments.

Shinny Bayaar is a Mongolian-born British professional boxer in the flyweight division based in Oldham, Greater Manchester. He has had a mixed career with notable victories over unbeaten opponents and a British Flyweight title win in 2009. Bayaar has faced defeats as well, including losing his title in 2010 due to a cut caused by an accidental clash of heads. Throughout his career, he has shown resilience and determination in the ring, facing various challenges and opponents.