Mongolian jockeys arrive at the finish line at the end of a horse race as part of the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, some 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolians watch the opening ceremony of the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, some 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers compete during the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, some 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian wrestler (C) is cheered by his trainer before a fight during the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, some 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolians perform a traditional ritual during the opening ceremony of the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, some 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian soldiers parade during the opening ceremony of the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, some 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian man dressed in traditional clothes attends the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, some 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolians arrive on horseback at the stadium for the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, some 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian horsemen ride in formation during the opening ceremony of the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, some 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian horseman arrives at the stadium for the annual Naadam festival in the town of Arvaikheer, about 400 km (250 miles) west of Ulan Bator July 9, 2006. This year's festival is bigger than ever, as Mongolia celebrates 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. Celebrations around the country will culminate in a national festival in the capital on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian family rides on a motorbike on a rainy day to Uyanga Sum, some 400 km (248 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 8, 2006. Mongolians will celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, horseback-riding and archery, on July 11. [This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation.] 

A Mongolian family rides on a motorbike on a rainy day to Uyanga Sum, some 400 km (248 miles) west of Ulan Bator, July 8, 2006. Mongolians will celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, horseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian boy stands against a ger, a traditional Mongolian house, during preparations for the upcoming Naadam festival in Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. [Mongolians have started to arrive at the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11.] 

An elderly man is seen during preparations for the upcoming Naadam festival in Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive at the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A man braids his horse's hair during preparations for the upcoming Naadam festival in Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive at the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A boy rides his horse during preparations for the upcoming Naadam festival in Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive at the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A man sits next to his horse during preparations for the upcoming Naadam festival in Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive at the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A boy walks past some horses during preparations for the upcoming Naadam festival in Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive at the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian boy stands against a ger, a traditional Mongolian house, during preparations for the upcoming Naadam festival in Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive at the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian man plays with his horse during preparations for the upcoming Naadam festival in Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive at the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A truck loaded with horses arrives in Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive at the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

An elderly man inspects his horses during preparations for the upcoming Naadam festival at Khui Doloo Khudag, about 40 km (25 miles) north of Ulan Bator, July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive to the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian boy carries his saddle during preparations for the coming Naadam festival at Khui Doloo Khudag some 40 km north of Ulan Bator July 7, 2006. Mongolians have started to arrive to the race area from all over the country as they prepare their horses to celebrate the annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of horseback-riding, wrestling and archery, on July 11. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian parliament guard stands in front of a sculpture of one of Mongolia's historical kings as it is installed at the Parliament courtyard in Ulan Bator July 6, 2006. [Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, horseback-riding and archery on July 11. This year's celebrations mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation.] 

A Mongolian parliament guard stands in front of a sculpture of one of Mongolia's historical kings as it is installed at the Parliament courtyard in Ulan Bator July 6, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, horseback-riding and archery on July 11. This year's celebrations mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian parliament guards look at sculptures of Mongolia's historical kings, including an eight-metre-high sculpture of Genghis Khan, which is being installed at the parliament courtyard in Ulan Bator July 6, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, horseback-riding and archery on July 11. This year's celebrations mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolians work at the Parliament courtyard to install sculptures of Mongolia's historical kings, including an eight-metre-high sculpture of Genghis Khan, in the capital Ulan Bator July 6, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, horseback-riding and archery on July 11. This year's celebrations mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A sculpture of one of Mongolia's historical king waits to be installed at the Parliament courtyard in Ulan Bator July 6, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, horseback-riding and archery on July 11. This year's celebrations mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian man practises archery near a mountain with a depiction of Genghis Khan made from stones and paint near the centre of Ulan Bator July 6, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, horseback-riding and archery on July 11. This year's celebrations mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolians stand in front of a giant contour of Genghis Khan, made a month ago with stones and paint on a mountain side facing the center of Ulam Bator July 6, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, horseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers take an outdoor shower at the end of a train session at a camp in the grassland town of Suuj, about 60 km north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a paegant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Also see image: GM1DSZERTCAA 

A Mongolian wrestler takes an outdoor shower at the end of a training session at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian wrestler trains at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers train at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers train at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian wrestler rests during a training session at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian wrestler rests during a train session at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian wrestler strings his boot at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers rest during a training session at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers train at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian boy plays at a wrestling camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers train at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers train at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers train at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

A Mongolian wrestler rests during a training session at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian wrestlers take an outdoor shower at the end of a training session at a camp in the grasslands town of Suuj, about 60 km (37 miles) north of the capital Ulan Bator, July 5, 2006. Mongolians celebrate their annual festival of Naadam, a pageant of wrestling, hoseback-riding and archery, on July 11. This year's will be bigger than ever as Mongolians mark the 800 years since Genghis Khan united the nation. REUTERS/Nir Elias (MONGOLIA) 

Mongolian female archers compete during Naadam Festival in Ulan Bator July
11, 2003. Mongolian wrestling is like any other wrestling but it has no
weight division, so big wrestlers more often win. Naadam is the biggest
event in the Mongolian calendar held on July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of
the Mongolian revolution of 1921. Concerts, fairs and traditional sports
like wrestling, archery and horse racing are held during the celebration.
REUTERS/Claro Cortes IV PP03070049

CC 

Mongolian wrestlers compete during wrestling competition at Naadam Festival in Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. Some 500 wrestlers from all over Mongolia competed in one of the highlights of Naadam. Naadam is the biggest event on the Mongolian calendar held from July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921. 

Mongolian wrestlers compete at Naadam Festival in Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. Some 500 wrestlers from all over Mongolia competed in one of the highlights of Naadam. Naadam is the biggest event on the Mongolian calendar held from July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921. 

Young Mongolian wrestlers receive prizes at Naadam Festival in Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. Some 500 wrestlers from all over Mongolia competed in one of the highlights of Naadam. Naadam is the biggest event on the Mongolian calendar held from July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921. 

A horse wearing medals parades after winning in the "Soyolon" race during the Naadam festival in Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. About 400 horses, ridden by young jockeys, boys and girls aged between five and 13 years old, competed in the event over a distance of 22 kms (13 miles). Naadam is the biggest event on the Mongolian calendar held from July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921. 

Elderly Mongolian wrestlers watch traditional wrestling matches during Naadam Festival July 12, 2003. Some 500 wrestlers from all over Mongolia competed in one of the highlights of Naadam. Naadam is the biggest event in the Mongolian calendar held July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolutionof 1921. 

Mongolians gather near traditional tent houses known as 'ger' near a horserace venue during Naadam Festival at Khui Doloon Khudag village, some 35 kms (22 miles) from capital Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. Naadam is the biggest event in the Mongolian calendar held July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921. 

Mongolian horsemen pass a row of traditional tents known as 'ger' near a horse race venue during Naadam Festival at Khui Doloon Khudag village, some 35 kms outside capital Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. Naadam is the biggest event in the Mongolian calendar held on July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921. 

Mongolian wrestlers G. Usuhbayar (R) and opponent D. Sumyabazar perform a fight dance before the finals of the wrestling competion during Naadam Festival in Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. Some 500 wrestlers from all over Mongolia competed in one of the highlights of Naadam and was won by Usuhbayar. Naadam is the biggest event in the Mongolian calendar held on July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolutionof 1921. 

A Mongolian father consoles his daughter after she lost a horse race during Naadam Festival some 35 kms (22 miles) outside capital Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. About 400 horses, ridden by young jockeys, boys and girls aged between five and 13 years old, competed in the event in a 22 kms distance. Naadam is the biggest event in the Mongolian calendar held July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921. 

Mongolian elder wishes a young jockey good luck before a horserace at the Naadam Festival some 35 kms outside capital Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. About 400 horses, ridden by young jockeys, boys and girls aged between five to 13 years old, compete in the event which is 22 kms long. Naadam is the biggest event in the Mongolian calendar held July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921. 

Young Mongolian jockeys cross the finish line during the Naadam Festival at Khui Doloon Khudag village, some 35 kms outside capital Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. About 400 horses, ridden by young jockeys, boys and girls aged between five and 13 years old, competed in the event in a 22 kms distance. Naadam is the biggest event in the Mongolian calendar held July 11 to 13, on the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921. 

A young Mongolian jockey is seen before a horserace during Naadam Festival at Khui Doloon Khudag village, some 35 kms (22 miles) outside the Mongolian capital Ulan Bator July 12, 2003. About 400 horses, ridden by young jockeys, boys and girls aged between five and 13 years old, competed in the event in a 22 kms distance. Naadam is the biggest event in the Mongolian calendar held on July 11 to 13, marking the anniversary of the Mongolian revolution of 1921.