AGP Executive Report

Naadam Spotlight: Mongolia’s National Naadam wrestling tournament wrapped up with State Lion Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan (Selenge aimag) crowned State Wide Champion after a 1,024-wrestler field, while State Elephant Bat-Ulzii Bayarkhuu took runner-up. Presidential Culture & Youth: President Khurelsukh presented gifts to child jockeys whose horses placed across Naadam’s major races, spotlighting the next generation of riders. World Horse Day Build-Up: Mongolia’s World Horse Day theme keeps expanding through diplomacy, with Mongolian horses noted for participation tied to Mongolia–Vietnam cooperation. K-Beauty Retail Shift: K-beauty shopping is moving beyond Olive Young as platforms like Musinsa Beauty, e-commerce, and department stores launch dedicated cosmetics brands and pop-ups. Mongolian Pop Music Abroad: The Hu arrived in London ahead of Iron Maiden’s Eddfest, performing at the Mongolian Embassy and preparing the July 24 album “Hun.” Anime Buzz: Crunchyroll released a teaser for “Ghost of Tsushima: Legends,” adapting the Mongol-era samurai story for an anime release coming soon.

Mongolia–Vietnam Cultural Diplomacy: Mongolia’s presidential chief of staff met Vietnam’s counterpart, with both sides pointing to Mongolian horses—used by Vietnam’s mounted police—as they prepare to take part in Mongolia’s World Horse Day initiative. World Horse Day Spotlight: Coverage marks July 11 as UN-proclaimed World Horse Day, tying the celebration to the horse’s role in culture, sport, work, and wellbeing—an angle that fits Mongolia’s steppe heritage. Naadam Through Visitors’ Eyes: MONTSAME spoke with foreign tourists at Mongolia’s National Naadam, highlighting first-time impressions, friendly people, and favorites like khuushuur. Korean Cultural-Trade Boost: The Korea–Mongolia state visit concluded with a “Golden Era” framing and new cooperation momentum, including a business forum. Anime & Pop Culture: Crunchyroll teased the upcoming “Ghost of Tsushima: Legends” anime, while “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” continues to draw attention for its Mongol-empire story and music tie-ins. Music on the Move: Mongolian metal band The Hu arrived in London ahead of Iron Maiden’s Eddfest, performing at the Mongolian Embassy and preparing a new album release.

World Horse Day & Naadam: Mongolia’s World Horse Day (proclaimed by the UN in 2025) is being celebrated alongside the National Naadam Festival, with events and an international conference spotlighting the horse-human bond. Mongol Derby Spotlight: A local rider, Paige Rylander, is set to compete in the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest horse race across the steppe, following Genghis Khan’s postal route. Mongolia–South Korea Cultural & Policy Ties: Mongolia and South Korea signed 21 agreements, including mutual recognition of driving licenses and a plan for a second national cancer center—plus cooperation between foreign policy and diplomatic training institutions. Anime Buzz with Mongolian Roots: “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” continues to build hype with its ending theme “STAR” by Queen Bee and a growing spotlight on its Mongol-empire story. Music on the Move: The Mongolian metal band The Hu arrived in London ahead of Iron Maiden’s Eddfest, performing at the Mongolian Embassy and preparing their album “HUN” release on July 24. Gaming Pop Culture: Crunchyroll released a teaser for “Ghost of Tsushima: Legends,” signaling a 2027 anime adaptation of the Mongol-vs-samurai saga.

Mongolian Pop Culture in the UK: The Hu landed in London ahead of Iron Maiden’s Eddfest at Knebworth, performing at the Mongolian Embassy in Kensington for the Mongolian ambassador and the UK ambassador to Mongolia, and sharing a glimpse of their upcoming album Hun (out July 24). Anime Spotlight (Mongolia-themed): “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” continues to build buzz with its ending theme “STAR” by Queen Bee and fresh coverage on how the production team tackled Mongol Empire history and culture. Global Music Crossover: Bass legend Jah Wobble announced “Mystic Liverpool: The Beatles’ Psychedelic Psongbook,” featuring Chinese and Mongolian instruments—an unexpected bridge between UK punk-era roots and Mongolian sound. World Horse Day: July 11’s UN-backed World Horse Day highlights horses’ cultural and practical role worldwide, with Mongolia tied to the broader celebration of steppe heritage. Sports & Tradition: Mongolia’s Naadam training culture gets attention as wrestlers prepare for the “Three Manly Games” with intensive camp routines on the steppe. Mongolia in International Deals: Mongolia and South Korea signed 21 cooperation documents, including mutual recognition of driving licenses and a plan for a second national cancer center.

Anime Spotlight: “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” officially premiered July 4, with director Abel Gongora and executive director Naoko Yamada discussing how they chased authenticity—from Mongolia location scouting to themes of Revenge and Freedom. Global Music: Mongolian rock-folk band The Hu landed in London ahead of Iron Maiden’s Eddfest, performing an intimate acoustic set at the Mongolian Embassy and preparing to release the album “HUN” on July 24. Health & Sports Inspiration: Olympic gold medalist Glynis Nunn opened up about a life-threatening saddle pulmonary embolism and how she’s still coaching at her “Nunn Better” program at 65. Film & Distribution: Malaysia’s Abnormal Studios picked up distribution and sales for sci-fi fantasy “Mimpi Kita: Castle in the Air,” pointing to audience-analytics work that helped secure the deal. Mongolia Culture on Horseback: Mongolia will mark World Horse Day with a horseback archery competition July 13 at Khui Doloon Khudag, aiming to preserve Mongol military arts and archery traditions. Naadam Training: Mongolian wrestlers are stepping up preparations for Naadam with intensive camp routines blending modern training and tradition.

Anime & Pop Culture: Crunchyroll dropped a teaser for Ghost of Tsushima Legends, previewing character art and the “A storm is coming” vibe ahead of its “coming soon” release. Manga-to-Screen: Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia keeps building momentum with new cast reveals for its “Mongolia Arc,” including Sorghaghtani, Möge, and Kirgistani, as the series heads toward its July 4 streaming start. Mongolia on the Global Stage: Mongolia will mark World Horse Day with a horseback archery competition on July 13 at Khui Doloon Khudag, plus the new “Narnii Khuleg” monument complex inaugurated ahead of the celebrations. Sports & Tradition: Mongolian wrestlers are training hard for Naadam, blending modern camp routines with the classic “Three Manly Games” spirit. Arts & Events: Busan Biennale announced its 2026 lineup and theme “Dissident Chorus,” spotlighting sound, bodies, archives, and live political forms across three movements. Food Culture: A “Cuisine of the World Nomads” contest is set for Kyrgyzstan’s World Nomad Games, bringing chefs from 15 countries to cook nomadic dishes with a modern twist.

Anime Spotlight: “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” is officially streaming from July 4, with Naoko Yamada (Executive Director) discussing the team’s Mongolia research, the series’ philosophy of “knowing,” and the collaboration behind the manga-to-anime shift. Music & Pop Culture: SEKAI NO OWARI drops a “Stella” collaboration music video tied to the anime’s opening theme, marking the band’s 15th anniversary single release. Equestrian Heritage: Mongolia is gearing up for World Horse Day with the “Narnii Khuleg” (Steed of the Sun) monument inaugurated at Khui Doloon Khudag, and a major horseback archery competition set for July 13. Sports & Training: Mongolian wrestlers are training “bodies, minds” for Naadam, with a World Cup-style twist at a camp near Ulaanbaatar. Table Tennis Development: Mongolia will host WTT Youth Contender 2026 and WTT Feeder 2026 (July 14–23) for the first ITTF world-ranking events on home soil. Global Arts Scene: Busan Biennale 2026 announces its 46 participating artists and collectives under the theme “Dissident Chorus.” Youth Culture: A new AI student film series, “Song Dynasty Romance,” includes a Mongolian team member and reimagines Song-era daily aesthetics through five micro-artifacts.

World Horse Day in Mongolia: Mongolia is gearing up for World Horse Day with a full international program running July 10–13 alongside the National Naadam Festival, highlighted by a July 13 horseback archery competition at Khui Doloon Khudag and the inauguration of the “Narnii Khuleg” (Steed of the Sun) monument complex as the event’s official symbol. Table Tennis on Home Soil: Ulaanbaatar will host WTT Youth Contender 2026 and WTT Feeder 2026 (July 14–23) at Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Complex, with 300+ athletes from 30+ countries chasing official world ranking points. Anime & Music Crossover: “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” keeps expanding its Mongolian arc with new cast announcements and a collaboration opening theme—SEKAI NO OWARI’s “Stella”—now tied to the anime’s premiere visuals. Basketball Spotlight: A feature highlights how basketball culture is surging among Mongolia’s youth, with more training and modern courts helping drive participation. Sports Abroad (Mongolia in focus): In FIBA 3x3 action, Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy is listed among the teams in Pool D for the Caceres Challenger.

World Horse Day in Mongolia: Mongolia has finalized its first-ever “World Horse Day” celebrations, running July 10–13 alongside the National Naadam Festival, with the main program on July 13 at Khui Doloon Khudag featuring an opening ceremony, international horse racing, a 10,000-horsemen parade, mounted archery, horse circus shows, and traditional races. New Landmark for Horse Culture: The “Narnii Khuleg” (Steed of the Sun) monument complex was inaugurated at Khui Doloon Khudag and will serve as the official World Horse Day symbol, aiming to draw international delegates and tourists. Mongolia on the Table Tennis Map: Ulaanbaatar will host WTT Youth Contender 2026 and WTT Feeder 2026 (July 14–23) at Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Complex, offering official world ranking points and welcoming 300+ athletes from 30+ countries. Anime Spotlight—Mongolia Arc: “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” is expanding its cast for the “Mongolia Arc,” with new characters and a music collaboration theme video tied to the anime’s premiere. Fashion Fair Mall Renovation: Fashion Fair Shopping Center broke ground on a major Outdoor Village and restroom rebuild, targeting completion before the holiday season. Sports & Culture Calendar: Today’s Happenings (July 9) lists community events like play sessions, pickleball, bridge, and other local activities.

Table Tennis & Youth Sport: Mongolia will host the WTT Youth Contender 2026 and WTT Feeder 2026 at Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Complex from July 14–23, with official world ranking points on offer and more than 300 athletes from 30+ countries registered. World Horse Day (Monument + Festival): The “Narnii Khuleg” (Steed of the Sun) monument complex was inaugurated at Khui Doloon Khudag as the official symbol for World Horse Day, and Mongolia’s first international celebration runs July 10–13 alongside Naadam, featuring an opening ceremony, international horse racing, a 10,000-horsemen parade, mounted archery, horse circus shows, and traditional races. Naadam Arts & Registration: Naadam preparations are in full swing, with cultural performances and 14 major arts events planned for July 8–15, while wrestling and youth wrestling registrations have begun and archery competition schedules are already underway. Anime & Music Crossover: “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” is streaming after its July 4 premiere, and the opening theme “Stella” by SEKAI NO OWARI is getting a collaboration music video tied directly to the anime’s visuals. Mongolian Music Spotlight: The Hu’s “hunnu rock” continues to draw global attention as the band blends hard rock with traditional instruments and throat singing. Sports Culture (Basketball): Basketball is growing fast in Ulaanbaatar, with more youth training and modern facilities helping turn the sport into a social hub.

World Horse Day & Naadam build-up: Mongolia is rolling out its first international “World Horse Day” alongside the National Naadam Festival, with the main program set for July 13 at Khui Doloon Khudag near Ulaanbaatar—think international horse racing, a 10,000-horsemen parade, mounted archery, horse circus acts, and traditional races. Naadam sports registrations: Wrestling registration has opened for the national tournament (1,024 wrestlers), while youth wrestling and the archery schedule are already underway, with hundreds of young archers competing across multiple days. Cultural arts for Naadam: Organizers say over 2,000 artists will take part in Naadam opening and closing performances, plus 14 major cultural and arts events for locals and foreign visitors. Mongol Empire on the art map: The National Palace Museum in Taipei will display a famous Genghis Khan portrait in a new exhibition, linking Mongolia’s historical memory to global audiences. Anime spotlight (Mongolia-themed): “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” is out on Crunchyroll, and the premiere is paired with a SEKAI NO OWARI “Stella” collaboration music video—cute visuals, brutal history, and a big emotional core. Music export: The Hu’s frontman says the band’s “hunnu rock” mission is to carry Mongolian instruments and perspective to younger listeners and the world. Basketball culture in Ulaanbaatar: Youth basketball is booming, with more kids in programs and new indoor facilities helping training continue through winter.

World Horse Day (Mongolia): Mongolia’s inaugural international World Horse Day runs July 10–13, 2026, alongside Naadam, with the main program on July 13 at Khui Doloon Khudag—opening ceremony, international horse racing, a 10,000-horsemen parade, mounted archery, horse circus shows, and traditional races. National Naadam Build-Up: Naadam’s wrestling registration has opened (1,024 wrestlers; in-person ID checks), while archery kicked off July 5 with youth categories and a full schedule running through July 12. Naadam Culture & Arts: Organizers say 2,000+ artists will take part in opening/closing performances, plus 14 major cultural events—photography and fine arts exhibitions, a national costume festival, and an honorary concert. Anime Spotlight (Mongolia-themed): Crunchyroll’s summer hit Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia premieres July 4 with a double-episode special, with creator Tomatosoup praising Science SARU and the series’ layered history and emotion. Music & Identity: The Hu’s vocalist Gala says the band’s “hunnu rock” aims to pass Mongolian culture to younger audiences while sharing a Mongolian perspective with the world. Arts Diplomacy: Taipei’s National Palace Museum will display a Genghis Khan (Yuan Taizu) portrait in a new exhibition after 13 years.

Mongolian Music Spotlight: The Hu’s vocalist Gala says the band’s “hunnu rock” mission is to carry Mongolian culture to younger fans and the world, blending hard rock with throat singing and instruments like the morin khuur. Naadam Countdown (Arts & Culture): With National Naadam days nearly here, Mongolia’s wrestling and archery tournaments are underway and the culture program is ramping up—more than 2,000 artists will take part in opening/closing performances, and 14 major arts events are planned for locals and visitors. World Horse Day (Heritage): Mongolia will host the first international World Horse Day festival, July 10–13 at Khui Doloon Khudag, with UNESCO-backed celebrations of equestrian sports and traditional arts. Anime Buzz: Crunchyroll’s Anime Expo 2026 showcase teased major Mongol-themed projects, including Ghost of Tsushima: Legends character visuals and the Mongolian-set historical anime Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia premiering with a big double-episode special. Sports Culture: Ulaanbaatar is set for international table tennis events at Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Palace, with WTT points on the line for youth and adult categories.

World Horse Day in Mongolia: Mongolia will host the first international World Horse Day festival July 10–13, 2026 at Khui Doloon Khudag, with UNESCO-backed celebrations spanning equestrian sport and traditional arts, and 55 countries expected to join in. Naadam culture lineup: With Naadam days underway, Mongolia’s National Great Naadam Festival is rolling out major cultural and arts events, including a photography exhibition on Mongolian horse culture and a national costume festival at Sukhbaatar Square. Naadam sports registration: The National Naadam wrestling tournament opens registration for 1,024 wrestlers (from age 16) at the Mongolian Wrestling Palace, while the archery tournament has already started with youth and multiple archery categories scheduled through July 12. Anime spotlight: Crunchyroll unveiled fresh character designs for Ghost of Tsushima: Legends at Anime Expo 2026, and Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia is already streaming on Crunchyroll with a one-hour double-episode premiere and a new Queen Bee ending theme. Mongolian music export: The Hu frontman Gala says the band’s goal is to pass Mongolian culture to younger audiences while sharing a Mongolian perspective with the world.

Anime Premiere: Science SARU’s “Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia” lands on Crunchyroll July 4 with a one-hour double-episode special, plus a fresh main visual, trailer, and ending theme “Stella” by Queen Bee. Sports & Youth Events: Ulaanbaatar’s Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Palace will host WTT Youth Contender (July 14–17) and WTT Feeder (July 19–23), with youth categories and a $30,000 prize pool for adults. Mongolian Culture in Global Spotlight: A new report highlights how the dombyra is heard across international screen projects, including Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” and the Turkish historical drama “Kuruluş: Osman.” International Anime Buzz: Anime Expo 2026 keeps feeding the hype—Crunchyroll confirms “Ghost of Tsushima: Legends” character visuals for a 2027 premiere and teases major fall/winter releases like “Steel Ball Run” and Akira’s 4K IMAX return. Community & Heritage: Mongolia’s cultural reach also shows up in sports and heritage coverage, including Mongolian dance featured in a Lunar New Year event abroad.

FIBA 3x3 Basketball: Ub (SRB) bounced back to win the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Marseille 2026, beating Raudondvaris Hoptrans 21-16 in the final—Ub’s second World Tour title of the season after a rougher start in Ulaanbaatar. Youth Boxing: India kicked off the U-19 Asian Boxing Championships in Jakarta with big wins—Chandrika Pujari took a unanimous 5-0 over Mongolia’s Lakham Tsendbaatar (51kg), while Joyshree Devi forced an RSC in the second round against Chinese Taipei (54kg). Anime & Streaming: Crunchyroll is set to debut Ghost of Tsushima: Legends anime in 2027, sharing new character visuals for Ronin, Hunter, and Assassin. Mongolia on Screen: The dombyra’s global reach gets a spotlight, from Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender season 2 to the Turkish historical series Kuruluş: Osman, where Kazakh musicians contributed. Anime Spotlight: Science SARU’s Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia continues to draw attention as it streams on Crunchyroll, with fans watching for what the Mongol court storyline will do next.