Aztai, 7, takes a break during his training for the Naadam Festival in Xiliin Gol League, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, which will run through Sept 15. [Photo/Xinhua]

There were a number of impressive performances during the 34th Inner Mongolia Grassland Naadam Festival held in Xiliin Gol League, North China's Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

After learning how to stay in the saddle at the tender age of 2, Aztai, now a veteran horseman at 7, competed in the 8-kilometer and the 12-km races at the ongoing Naadam Festival. His father, Khas-Ochir, is a horse trainer, and also Aztai's coach.

"My son has always loved riding, and now I train with him every day," says the proud father.

In the competition, audiences can experience the excitement as skilled riders, often young children, gallop across the steppes on their sturdy Mongolian horses over distances up to 30 km.

Chilmeg, 12, won eighth place in the festival's youth wrestling competition.

Riding horses since the age of 6 and wrestling from 7, Chilmeg returned home during his summer vacation to train in both disciplines under the guidance of his father and uncle.

"I watched videos of wrestlers on TV and found them powerful and majestic. I aim to win the championship at the next Naadam fair," Chilmeg says.

The power and agility of the wrestlers are demonstrated in the wrestling event as they grapple in their colorful attire, aiming to force their opponents' elbow or knee to the ground.

On the archery field at the Naadam event, Enirel, 13, tightens the bowstring, focusing on the target.

Traditional archery is a beloved sport among herdsmen.

Kicking off in middle July and running through to Sept 15, Naadam is an annual festival celebrated by people of the Mongolian ethnic group.

Naadam is a Mongolian term meaning "entertainment and games", featuring a variety of activities such as horse racing, wrestling and archery, also known as "three games of men".

The festival dates back to the 12th century, if not earlier, originating as a series of martial trials to keep warriors battle-ready.

Over the centuries, it has evolved into a form of entertainment and a way to commemorate significant events. Today, the festival serves both as a competitive stage and meeting place.

In 2006, Naadam was included in the first batch of the national intangible cultural heritage list.

This year's Naadam Festival not only features the traditional competitions in wrestling, archery and horse racing, but also includes events like a grassland tourist triathlon, youth Naadam, and car Naadam, along with a meticulously prepared cheese festival and a lot of dazzling bonfire parties and performances for numerous visitors.

During the event, the three traditional activities will be held daily, hosted in rotation by various banners and counties of Xiliin Gol League.

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