Preparation for the National Naadam Festival 2026 has officially begun. Deputy Prime Minister Gankhuyag Khassuur noted that this celebration will attract significant international attention.
At a meeting attended by nine subcommittees responsible for organizing the festival, it was announced that Netflix plans to shoot a documentary about the horse parade, which will take place from June 20 to 23, 2026.
The organizers reported that representatives from 56 countries will participate in the event, making it an important international occasion showcasing Mongolia's equestrian culture.
According to the initiative of the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, the United Nations General Assembly declared July 11 as "World Horse Day." The organizing committee has been tasked with developing a program dedicated to horse culture, which will be presented at the opening and closing of the festival, as well as at other Naadam events across the country.
Vice Prime Minister Gankhuyag instructed the creation of a unified broadcasting system so that all television channels can simultaneously broadcast the ceremonial events and races, thereby ensuring continuous national broadcasting.
To achieve high standards for the event, the Deputy Prime Minister also ordered the early appointment of a creative director for the festival, who must be selected by February 20, 2026, to ensure successful preparation.
The committee also discussed several important issues, including conducting a survey among the equestrian and archery teams that have already qualified for Naadam 2025, as well as presenting the full budget and plan for Naadam 2026 next month, and developing a policy to support Naadam events organized by Mongolians abroad to strengthen ties with the diaspora.
Tatar S. Maidar
source: MiddleAsianNews
