Ханжоугийн Азийн наадамд урилгаар оролцох Б.Энхсарангийн эсээ бичлэг

Mongolian Judoka Munkhbat Urantsetseg Contemplates Life Beyond Combat Sports

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

22 June 2023

In a surprising turn of events, Mongolian sambist and retired judoka, Munkhbat Urantsetseg, finds herself standing at a crossroads in her athletic journey. At the age of 33, just a year after retiring from judo, Urantsetseg ventured into the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). However, her decision to continue her pursuit of this physically demanding sport has encountered an unexpected hurdle in the form of her husband's apprehension.

Urantsetseg's husband, concerned about the risks and the toll combat sports take on her body, yearns for her to abandon her athletic career. Driven by her husband's worries and questioning her own perceived selfishness, Urantsetseg now stands at a critical juncture, contemplating the path she should tread.

From the onset of her athletic journey at the age of 16, Urantsetseg's story has been one of dedication, perseverance, and triumph. Despite her mother's initial reluctance, she surged forward, eventually making her mark on the international stage by participating in her first World Championship at the age of 23.

Throughout her career, she has encountered the harsh reality of inequality within the sporting world, particularly in relation to coaching.

Urantsetseg strongly believes that coaches often prioritize an athlete's win-loss record, treating them differently based on their performance. In her eyes, this disparity is even more pronounced in Mongolia. Undeterred, Urantsetseg has confronted these challenges head-on, earning a remarkable collection of four Olympic medals. However, she can't help but wonder how many more accolades she could have claimed were it not for the disparities she faced.

In addition to navigating the inequalities of the sports world, Urantsetseg has also contended with the impact of rule changes within her discipline. In 2016, she narrowly missed out on an Olympic gold medal due to revised regulations that altered the outcome of her competition. Moreover, financial support from her homeland was scarce during her early international endeavors, as Mongolia tends to favor younger athletes over those with more experience.

Embracing the world of MMA was a natural progression for Urantsetseg, as it presented her with fresh challenges and demanded increased physical strength. Along this new path, she discovered the significance of managing her emotions and finding balance through practices like yoga and relaxation techniques. Even when faced with physical setbacks necessitating surgery, Urantsetseg's indomitable spirit propelled her to compete in international games, epitomizing her unwavering dedication.

Now, as Urantsetseg weighs her husband's concerns against her own aspirations, she finds herself at a pivotal moment in her life. Struggling to reconcile her desires with her loved ones' worries, she contemplates the impact her decision will have on her future. Will she choose to heed her husband's plea and bring her athletic pursuits to a close, or will she find a way to reconcile her passion with their concerns?

In this critical juncture, Urantsetseg's journey serves as a testament to the power of determination and the resilience of the human spirit. Regardless of the path she ultimately chooses, her story will continue to inspire generations of athletes, reminding them that the pursuit of dreams often necessitates sacrifice, self-reflection, and the courage to forge ahead despite the challenges that lie ahead.

As the people await Urantsetseg's decision, the echoes of her illustrious career and the potential for a new chapter in her life resonate throughout the realm of Mongolian sports. It remains to be seen whether she will choose to continue her relentless.

By: ENKHSARAN Baasandorj