Mongolian Wrestling at Denver museum's Genghis Khan exhibit gala

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science opened an exhibit about Genghis Khan with a full-on Mongolian gala party, with special guests including Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper and the Mongolian Ambassador Khasbazaryn Bekhbat. After a reception and dinner with Mongolian-style fare (and time for attendees to wander the interesting and enlightening exhibit), there were Mongolian performers and at the end of the evening, an exhibition of the ancient sport of Mongolian wrestling. Local wrestlers took on volunteers including Honorary Mongolian Consul General Jim Wagenlander. The matches were funny, and the evening a great look at a country most Americans know little about (same for Genghis Khan, who is much-maligned and mythologized). Colorado was chosen for the exhibit's premiere because for many years we had the largest population of Mongolians outside Mongolia. We're still one of the highest populations. Video shot by Erin Yoshimura

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• mongolia
• asia
• wrestling
• culture
• genghis khan

[OctoBox]

these guys are really pale -- "sun - sun - sun"

[mergenchuluun]

The former wide receiver had the best shot. He didn't even have a top for the Mongolian wrestler to get a hold, but experience and skill definitely won on that.

Nice to see Jim give it a go.

GO MONGOLIA! GO COLORADO!!

[Habsfan0206]

Wow! Wicked stuff! Mongolians in Denver, hey? Who would have thought? LOL!