Silk Way Star winner from Mongolia plans to release a song in Kazakh www.qazinform.com

Michelle Joseph, the winner of the international vocal competition Silk Way Star, announced her intention to release a song in the Kazakh language, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Silk Way Star winner from Mongolia plans to release a song in Kazakh

Speaking at a press conference, the singer said she has already begun working on the song.
“I am already working on a Kazakh song. I truly love Kazakh culture, and the language is very beautiful — I want to learn it. From the very beginning, I thought about releasing a song in this language for my Kazakh listeners,” Michelle said.
Michelle also shared plans for a possible collaboration with Kazakhstan’s representative ALEM.
“If there is an opportunity to record a duet, it would be wonderful. I believe Mongolia and Kazakhstan have huge potential to cooperate in showcasing our cultures — not only through music but also cinema, entertainment and other creative spheres,” she added.
Silk Way Star winner from Mongolia plans to release a song in Kazakh
Phоtо credit: Sоltan Zhexenbekоv/ Kazinfоrm
She expressed gratitude to the contestants and members of the jury for the experience gained throughout the large-scale competition.
“I felt great during the finale, though a little sad that the project had come to an end. Still, I would love to take part again next year,” she noted.
It was also announced during the press conference that the next season of the Silk Way Star vocal project will be hosted in China.

War refugee Aonishiki becomes first Ukrainian to win sumo tournament www.japantimes.co.jp

Ukrainian sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn on Sunday became the first from his nation to win a tournament of the traditional Japanese sport.
The 21-year-old, who fled the war in Ukraine three years ago, won the Kyushu tournament after a tie-breaking victory over grand champion Hoshoryu from Mongolia.
Known by his ring name Aonishiki Arata and speaking fluent Japanese, he told fans at Fukuoka Kokusai Center in his televised victory interview that he was glad that he was able to show his usual performance.
"I am happy that I am able to achieve a goal of mine," he said.
Yavhusishyn, who arrived in Japan three years ago after fleeing Ukraine, has climbed the sumo ranks at record speed.
The Japan Sumo Association will soon hold a special meeting to promote him to ozeki, the second highest ranking under yokozuna, or grand champion, NHK said.
He competed in the world junior sumo championships as a teenager but left Ukraine after Russia's February 2022 invasion.
He arrived in Japan two months later and made a blistering start to his career, reaching sumo's upper divisions in only a year and winning promotion to the fourth-highest rank.
Yavhusishyn was born in central Ukraine and took up sumo at the age of 7, becoming a national champion at 17.
His age meant he narrowly avoided Ukraine's military draft for men aged 18 and older when war broke out and he sought refuge in Germany before moving to Japan.
His parents stayed in Germany and he arrived in Japan knowing nothing of the language.
Yavhusishyn became the second Ukraine-born professional sumo wrestler when he made his debut in July 2023, following in the footsteps of compatriot Serhii Sokolovskyi, better known as Shishi.
Yavhusishyn's promotion to sumo's upper divisions was the fifth fastest since the current system of six tournaments a year was introduced in 1958.
The ambitious wrestler said he now has his sights set on reaching the top of the sumo hierarchy.
"I am happy (now) but there is one higher status. I want to work toward that," he said.

Mongolia Celebrates National Pride Day Honoring Chinggis Khaan www.montsame.mn

Mongolia celebrated National Pride Day on November 21, 2025, commemorating the 863rd Anniversary of the Birth of Great Emperor Chinggis Khaan, with solemn state ceremonies and tributes in the capital.
The National flag was raised and the State Nine White Banners, a symbol of Mongolian soverignty, were honored on Sukhbaatar Square. The flag was hoisted by the Unit 032 of the Armed Forces together with the State Special Security Forces, while a brass band performed the national anthem.
President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav and Chairman of the State Great Khural (Parliament) Uchral Nyam-Osor paid tribute to the statue of Chinggis Khaan in front of the State Palace, honoring the nation’s founder whose legacy continues to inspire Mongolia’s unity and progress.
Marking the occasion, President Khurelsukh conferred the Order of Chinggis Khaan, Mongolia’s highest state decoration, upon distinguished figures. The award recognizes exceptional contributions to strengthening the independence, sovereignty, and national unity of Mongolia, advancing democratic and humanitarian values, fostering social progress, preserving and transmitting the traditions of statehood, history, and culture to future generations, and promoting these values worldwide.
In addition to the official ceremonies, the celebration included traditional wrestling competitions, gala concert, and a cultural exhibition highlighting Mongolian history and culture.
Since 2012, National Pride Day has been observed each year as a public holiday, marking the anniversary of Chinggis Khaan’s birth, on the first day of the first winter month in the lunar calendar.

Mongolia launches new South–South Cooperation project to strengthen sustainable soil management www.fao.org

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry (MoFALI) of Mongolia and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of the People's Republic of China, officially launched the project “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South.” The initiative aims to strengthen Mongolia’s technical capacity in sustainable soil management and contribute to global efforts to protect and restore agricultural lands and soils.
Implemented under the FAO–China South–South Cooperation (SSC) Programme, the project will enhance Mongolia’s soil laboratory capacity, promote good agricultural practices and facilitate knowledge exchange with partner countries. It will also support research on soil fertility and fertilizer management, the implementation of FAO’s Global Soil Doctor Programme and the adoption of innovative soil monitoring and mapping approaches in Mongolia.
Project document handover from .E. Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia to Mr. Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya, State Secretary of MoFALI
A shared commitment to healthier soils
“This project marks a new phase in FAO–Mongolia-China cooperation” said Mr. Jambaltseren Tumur-Uya, State Secretary of MoFALI. “Soil is the foundation of food, life, and livelihoods, yet over 30 percent of the world’s soils are degraded. Protecting Mongolia’s black soils is essential for food security and ecosystem balance”. He noted that the project will play a key role in supporting upcoming international initiatives hosted by Mongolia in 2026, including the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists and the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17).
H.E. Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Mongolia, emphasized China’s commitment to supporting Mongolia in safeguarding its soil resources. She noted that China has successfully protected more than 916 000 hectares of black soils and continues to share its experience and best practices through the FAO–China SSC Trust Fund, which has supported 36 projects in over 140 countries.
Mr. Lifeng Li, Director of FAO’s Land and Water Division, underlined the global urgency: “Soil degradation affects one-third of the world’s soil resources. This project strengthens Mongolia’s capacity to act and will advance collective action for better soil health and resilient agrifood systems.
Mr Yahui Zhang, Senior Coordinator of FAO’s South-South and Triangular Cooperation Division, commended the collaboration between FAO, Mongolia and China noting that the technologies and experience gained through this FAO-China SSC could be shared and scaled up globally.
Ms. Qingyun Diao, FAO Representative in Mongolia, welcomed participants and reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to “working closely with MoFALI and national research institutions to build technical capacity and promote sustainable soil management for a more resilient agrifood sector”.
Broad engagement and visibility
The event drew national media attention, with coverage by the Montsame News Agency and local Television Eagle News. Updates shared on FAO Mongolia and MoFALI social media channels.
The launch of the “Capacity Development on Sustainable Soil Management in the Global South” project marks a renewed commitment by Mongolia, FAO and China to protect one of the planet’s most precious resources: soil. By fostering technical cooperation and knowledge exchange, the initiative will not only support Mongolia’s efforts to build a resilient agrifood system but also contributes to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Mongolia, South Korea Advance Bilateral Agenda www.montsame.mn

The Governments of Mongolia and the Republic of Korea reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation at the 9th Intergovernmental Joint Committee Meeting in Ulaanbaatar on November 19, 2025.
Co-chaired by Byambatsogt Sandag, Minister and Chief of Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia, and Kim Jina, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of South Korea, the two sides held in-depth discussions spanning multiple areas of cooperation, including trade, investment, mineral resources, energy, road transport, environmental protection, education, healthcare, and civil service reform.
Industrial Projects
To advance economic diplomacy, both sides agreed to promote the participation of Korean enterprises in open tenders for major industrial development projects in Mongolia. These include forthcoming initiatives in steel smelting and copper processing – strategic priorities aligned with Mongolia’s long-term vision to expand its industrial base and attract foreign investment.
Trade Imbalance and Market Access
The Mongolian side highlighted the significant trade imbalance, noting that annual exports to Korea total just over USD 50 million, while imports exceed USD 500 million. To address this disparity, Mongolia emphasized the need to improve market access for its domestic products, particularly agricultural and livestock-based goods such as leather, wool, cashmere, and meat, under the proposed trade framework.
Visa Policy and Citizen Mobility
Minister Byambatsogt voiced concern over the visa barriers encountered by Mongolian citizens traveling to South Korea, urging both sides to find practical solutions. He specifically proposed exempting medical travelers from visa requirements and called for stronger protections for Mongolian nationals residing in Korea. “Unless practical steps are taken to resolve the visa challenges facing our citizens, Mongolia may need to consider reciprocal visa requirements for Korean nationals beginning in 2026,” he stated.  
Air Connectivity and Tourism Growth
The liberalization of air transport between Mongolia and South Korea has substantially enhanced bilateral connectivity. Weekly flight frequencies have increased from 7 to over 70, while average fares have declined from MNT 3 million to MNT 1 million. As a result, inbound tourism from Korea surged, with Mongolia receiving 180,000 Korean visitors in a single year, 2025.
At the end of the session, both sides agreed to take concrete steps on shared priorities and address key challenges, marking a meaningful step forward in the Mongolia-Korea strategic partnership and regional cooperation.

China’s Mongolian coal imports up 20% in Oct, Russian imports slip 18% www.brecorder.com

China’s imports of Mongolian coal rose 20% year-on-year in October, customs data showed on Thursday, as neighbouring Mongolia continued to benefit from lower Chinese output and higher prices.
Mongolia shipped 7.76 million metric tons of coal to China in October, according to the General Administration of Customs.
That was, however, down from September’s record-high volume of 9.29 million tons.
Coal from China’s three other main supplier countries fell year-on-year as China imported 10% less coal in October.
Russian imports saw the sharpest drop, falling 18% on the year to 6.79 million tons.

S.Korea-Mongolia joint committee meeting reaffirms mineral cooperation www.koreapost.com

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea announced that Vice Minister Kim Jin-ah held the 9th Korea-Mongolia Joint Committee meeting with Sandag Batjargal, Minister of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia, on November 19 in Ulaanbaatar to review the overall bilateral relationship.
Vice Minister Kim emphasized that the Korea-Mongolia Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) provides a foundation for expanding economic cooperation across various sectors and called for active support to address challenges faced by Korean companies operating in Mongolia.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of cooperation in mineral resources, including rare metals, and agreed to combine Mongolia’s abundant resources with Korea’s refining and processing technologies to realize mutually beneficial cooperation models. In particular, through the upcoming Korea-Mongolia Rare Metals Cooperation Center, scheduled to open by the end of this year, the two countries will maintain close communication to steadily expand practical collaboration in mineral processing and technology exchange.
Additionally, the two countries agreed to promote people-to-people exchanges through visa and consular cooperation as well as the operation of the employment permit system.
On the same day, Vice Minister Kim also met with Batmunkh Battsengel, Mongolia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, to reaffirm the strategic development intentions of bilateral relations and to strengthen cooperation on practical projects and global issues through expanded high-level communication.
출처 : The Korea Post(http://www.koreapost.com)

Team Mongolia From Physical Asia: Where Are They Now? www.moviedelic.com

Eight teams from eight different countries were introduced in season 1 of Netflix’s ‘Physical: Asia.’ Among them was Team Mongolia, which left an unforgettable impression not just on their opponents but also on the viewers. Their rivals had underestimated them in the beginning, but with each episode, they proved that their power lay in their resilience and unity. Their teamwork became their most significant asset, ultimately paving the way for them to become one of the Top 2 remaining teams, alongside Team Korea, during the Final Quest. Although they gave their best, unfortunately, Korea claimed the win, leaving Team Mongolia as the proud runners-up.
Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan Continues to Rise as a Mongolian Wrestler
Orkhonbayar Bayarsaikhan had made his mark in the competition as the captain of the Mongolian team. He is a Mongolian traditional wrestler who participated in the acclaimed Naadam festival five times. Additionally, he has won the prestigious state title of “Arslan.” In 2022, Orkhonbayar became the winner of the President’s Cup during the 111th anniversary of the National Liberation Movement of his country. In April 2025, he took home the title of champion at the commemorative and service club championships. The event was held to honor the 80th anniversary of the 805th unit, which belongs to the Internal Troops. Aside from that, Orkhonbayar has built a strong digital presence with 261K Instagram followers.
On the platform, Orkhonbayar shares glimpses of his athletic journey and cultural pride. What makes him truly special is the effort he puts into every connection. He maintains a strong relationship with his fellow competitors, often joining them in fun challenges and collaborative content. In November 2025, Orkhonbayar appeared in an interview with Fastpaper magazine, reflecting on his path as a wrestler. It was followed by his features on HIP and Daily Fashion News, where he even faced off in a playful arm wrestling match with the Australian strongman Eddie Williams. Orkhonbayar also remains committed to his fitness lifestyle and frequently attends national events, showcasing his deep affection for his traditions and culture.
Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan Balances Her Judo Athleticism With Life’s Simple Joys
Adiyasuren Amarsaikhan is a formidable heavyweight judo athlete in the +78 kg category.  In November 2021, she earned a silver medal at the Grand Slam in Baku, followed by a bronze medal at the Grand Prix in Portugal in February 2022. Adiyasuren didn’t stop her journey towards excellence there as she went on to win the bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and secured silver at the 2024 Asian Championships. However, Adiyasuren’s most notable achievement was representing Mongolia proudly at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In April 2025, the athlete secured third place in the Asian Senior Championships, held in Bangkok.
Additionally, Adiyasuren finished fifth in the Ulaanbaatar Grand Slam and the Qingdao Grand Prix in July and September 2025, respectively. As of writing, she holds a senior ranking on the IJF World Ranking List, a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence. In November 2025, Adiyasuren attended the East Asian Super League match. It was soon followed by her interview on Terminal 1.0 Ulaanbaatar, where she openly shared about her experience on the show and reflected on her journey. Beyond her athletic pursuits, tennis has become one of her favorite pastimes. Adiyasuren also enjoys traveling, which is highlighted by her trips to the City of Love, Paris, France, in October 2021, and Thailand in April 2025.
Dulguun Enkhbat is a Renowned Basketball Player and a Family Man at Heart
Dulguun Enkhbat is well-known as a professional basketball player who led the Mongolia men’s 3×3 national team to success. He has guided the team through the FIBA World Tour. Moreover, his leadership extended to the FIBA 3×3 Asia Cup, where he became a two-time champion alongside his team in 2017 and 2023. During that championship in 2017, he also became the Most Valuable Player (MVP). In June 2025, Dulguun helped his team bag the win at the Ulaanbaatar 3×3 FIBA competition in the Qualifiers. Most recently, in September 2025, Dulguun excitedly announced his joining the Selenge Bodons basketball team.
Dulguun’s basketball career has enabled him to achieve several honors throughout the years. It further became evident with his memorable visit to the White House in January 2025. His success even paved the way for his feature on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. He has currently garnered a large fan base, especially on Instagram, where he boasts over 50.3K followers. On the personal front, Dulguun’s world revolves around the love of his life, Puje Bat-Erdene, and their three children. Whether it be celebrating Christmas and Naadam together or simply taking them on a day out, he never misses a chance to make them feel special.
Enkh-Orgil Baatarkhuu is an MMA Fighter and Loves His Mother Dearly
Enkh-orgil Baatarkhuu is a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter known for his elite submissions during matches. He began his journey guided and mentored by the former ONE Featherweight World Champion, Narantungalag Jadambaa. He is not just the two-time champion of MGL-1 but also the one-time winner of Road To ONE Mongolia. By December 2024, the fighter received an Honor Medal for Labor, further highlighting his reputation in the arena. He currently competes in ONE Championships and holds the 5th rank in the MGL-1 union for the semi-lightweight 66 kg category. Enkh-orgil has also built a community of 155K on Instagram, where he documents his training, victories, and travels.
From January to August 2025, Enkh-orgil has further showcased his techniques in the arena during MGL-1 matches, with his most recent win being against Mark Sangiao in July of this year. Despite the intensity of his career, he stays grounded by maintaining the relationships that shape him. Enkh-orgil maintains amicable bonds with his teammates and never fails to express gratitude for their support. However, the most important person in his life is his mother, whom he often speaks about, recalling the sacrifices she made. He makes every effort to make her feel cherished, whether it’s by taking her to concerts or simply spending meaningful moments together. Whenever Enkh-orgil wants to reconnect with himself and seek respite from the busy life, he makes his way into nature.
Khandsuren Gantogtokh is Exploring Her Creative Side by Stepping Into Fashion
Khandsuren Gantogtokh has truly carved out a unique path for herself as the professional volleyball middle blocker and longtime national team starter. She first joined the Mongolian Women’s National Volleyball Team in 2015 and has been representing her country for a decade. Additionally, Khandsuren’s talent has even taken her beyond her home, as she spent eight years playing professionally in Japan. She later played for other Asian leagues, including those in Taiwan. By January 2025, Khandsuren proudly shared with her 129K followers on Instagram that she had attained an International Master’s Degree in Professional Volleyball.
Khandsuren’s athletic journey continues to expand as she represented Mongolia in the East Asian Championship in Hong Kong in August 2025. Just two months later, she revealed that she was joining the Tokyo Sunbeams for the 2025–26 V.League season. The athlete’s story is not just about volleyball, as she also fosters a profound love for fashion. Her dream finally came true in January 2025, as she walked the runway, adorned in a Japanese kimono paired with a simple Mongolian deel. In November, she also collaborated with the fashion brand, GOBI Cashmere. Outside of her professional commitments, Khandsuren cherishes small joys in life, such as treating herself to fresh flowers or catching a movie in her free time.
Lkhagva-Ochir Erdene Ochir Efficiently Balances a Multifaceted Career
Long before his appearance on ‘Physical: Asia,’ Lkhagva Ochir Erdene Ochir had already made a remarkable name for himself as a Mongolian acrobat. He enchants audiences from around the world as a renowned Circus Artist and is best known for his impressive and precise chair handbalancing act. Over the years, Lkhagva-Ochir has showcased this talent around 740 times across three continents. Besides holding a degree in Drama and Film Studies, he is also an educator at the Human Rose contortion studio. His artistry has earned him several awards, including the Budapest Prix Award in 2022 and the Golden Star Award in 2024. Lkhagva-Ochir’s skills enabled him to receive several honors in Mongolia. In 2021, he received the Order of the Polar Star state award, followed by the recent title of Honoured Artist of Mongolia in 2025.
Additionally, Lkhagva-Ochir has gained experience in acting, with appearances in films such as ‘The Pattern of My Silk’ (2023) and ‘Love Story’ (2024). He is also thriving as a model, having posed before the cameras for Mungun Cashmere, the Cubist Scape Campaign, and many others. Moreover, Lkhagva-Ochir is the proud founder of Acro Mongolia, through which he trains aspiring performers and hosts workshops. In August 2025, he announced their next retreat in Thailand, where he was one of the coaches. On the personal front, Lkhagva’s life is deeply rooted in the presence of his soulmate, Chimgee. He always utilizes the opportunity to shower her with love and affection. Although there is another little girl in Lkhagva-Ochir’s life, he has decided to shield her identity and the nature of their relationship from the world.

N.Uchral: I’ll be lenient with the right, strict with the wrong www.gogo.mn

Uchral Nyam-Osor, Chairman of Mongolian People’s Party, gave a briefing to reporters after being elected as the Speaker of Parliament. 
“Since I worked in government and helped shape the five-year plan, this year’s budget and next year’s projections, the government’s policies and activities are aligned with my views,” N.Uchral said.
“As Speaker of the Parliament, I am prepared to be lenient toward those who are right and strict toward those who are wrong, and to provide support where it’s needed. I will pay special attention to maintaining the government’s stability, only then will the investment improve,” he added.
N.Uchral said party meetings had addressed past politicization and internal disputes. The rule of law must be upheld from this chamber, and ethics must be spoken from this chamber. As chairman of the ruling party, I will demand ethical responsibility from my party members and from MPs.

Mongolian banking sector's net foreign assets decline 16.1 pct in October www.xinhuanet.com

The Mongolian banking sector's net foreign assets declined by 16.1 percent year-on-year to reach 7.0 trillion Mongolian tugriks (1.9 billion U.S. dollars) in October, the country's National Statistics Office (NSO) said on Thursday.
In October, the net domestic assets of Mongolia's banks reached 38 trillion tugriks (10.65 billion dollars), which represents an increase of 12.7 percent year-on-year.
Meanwhile, the cumulative savings within Mongolian commercial banks demonstrated a robust performance, reaching a total volume of 23.9 trillion tugriks (6.69 billion dollars) by the end of October 2025.
It is noted that the dollar savings experienced a substantial uptick, surging by 22.9 percent, while Mongolian tugrik savings exhibited a more modest increase of 15.4 percent.
Currently, there are about 1,500 branches of 12 commercial banks operating in Mongolia.