Due to its traditional lifestyle, archery has been exercised among Mongolians for centuries. According to some sources, its primitive version was originated during the New Stone Age. Ancient people used their version of bows and arrows for hunting and then later in the history, these tools started to be used as a weapon during battles. Around the 11th century, men were encouraged to practice archery to be prepared for battles; and therefore, up to now, archery has been able to be developed as sports.

Bow and arrow

Arrows are typically constructed of birch wood. The normal length of an arrow is between 80 and 100 cm, and the shaft’s diameter is around 10 mm. Dimensions of the arrow are 90-100cm in length, 10mm in diameter and weights 40-45g for women 40-75g for men.

Types of archery in Mongolia

During the Naadam festival, all male, female and child archers wear traditional costumes and compete in three categories: Khalh, Buriad and Uriankhai, which have differences in the bows and arrows used, as well as the distance of the target. Khalh is the name of the majority group of Mongolia and Buriad and Uriankhai are the names of two out of over 20 minority groups of Mongolia.

Archery field is called ‘zurkhai’ in Khalh archery and ‘zuraakhai’ in the Buriad one.
Only men are allowed to compete in the Uriankhai archery, while the other two categories allow the participation of men, women and children – in separate competitions.