Mongolian Basketball Players Achieve an Impressive Victory Over Professional American Players www.open.kg

At the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Chengdu 2026 tournament in Chengdu, China, the Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy team achieved an unexpected victory over Miami with a narrow score of 21-20 in a tense group stage match. This game, which took place on Saturday, became the highlight of a day filled with exciting moments and dramatic twists, as reported by MiddleAsianNews.

In Group B, the match was a true test for both teams. Miami, trailing for most of the game, managed to equalize, but ultimately Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy snatched victory in the final seconds thanks to accurate shots from Nauris Miezis. Two consecutive two-pointers by Miezis proved decisive, completing the team's comeback.

Earlier, Miami confidently defeated the Shinagawa team from Japan with a score of 21-16, showing character and strength in the final moments of the match, thanks to Mitch Han's performance. However, Shinagawa, unwilling to give up, secured a victory over Ulaanbaatar with a score of 21-17, where Voni Scott stood out by scoring 14 points.

As a result, all three teams finished the group stage with an equal record of 1-1, but Miami and Ulaanbaatar advanced further due to their accumulated points, demonstrating a high level of play in one of the most competitive groups of the tournament.

“Mongolia’s 17-Place Rise in Press Freedom Index Marks Progress,” PM Says www.montsame.mn

 Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor extended a greetings on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

In his message, he emphasized that truth begins with the freedom to express one’s views, noting that journalism carries a profound responsibility to society. He expressed appreciation to media professionals who inform and educate the public through fact-based reporting, extending greetings on behalf of the Government of Mongolia and personally.

The Prime Minister underscored that freedom of expression is a cornerstone of democracy and highlighted the government’s “Chuluuleye” initiative aimed at reducing bureaucracy, pressure, and corruption. He noted that the success of such efforts depends directly on a free and independent press.

Prime Minister Uchral also pointed out that Mongolia has advanced 17 places in the press freedom index, describing it as a sign of progress. At the same time, he reiterated his position that Article 13.14 of the Criminal Code contradicts constitutional principles, affirming his consistent support for protecting the freedom of expression of citizens and journalists.

He stressed that ensuring a pressure-free and legally enabling environment for journalism remains a shared goal, concluding that truth and democracy can only thrive where opinions are expressed freely.

46,306 people registered for “Ulaanbaatar Marathon-2026” www.gogo.mn

According to Decree No. A/396 issued by the Governor of the capital in 2026, the “Ulaanbaatar Marathon-2026” international race will be held in the capital for the 11th time on May 23.

Registration for the marathon was open on the websitewww.ulaanbaatar.marathon.mn until 5:00 PM on May 1.

As of April 29, more than 18,000 people had registered. However, registration increased sharply over the final two days, and by the time it closed at 5:00 PM on May 1, a total of 46,306 people had signed up.

This year’s marathon will be held in five categories: the 42-kilometer marathon for citizens aged 18 and over; the 21-kilometer half marathon for participants aged 18–34 and over 55; the 10-kilometer sports run for all citizens aged 18 and over; the 5-kilometer health run; and the 800 and 1,500-meter family run.

Tsendbaatar Claims 15th Win, Secures WBC Silver Title www.montsame.mn

Mongolia’s Honored Athlete Tsendbaatar Erdenebat secured the 15th victory of his professional boxing career.

He claimed the WBC Silver title in the 59 kg division, moving closer to a world title shot. After taking control late in the second round, Tsendbaatar  went on to secure a confident victory. He improved his professional record to 15–0. Toward the end of the fifth round, he landed a series of right- and left-hands, including body shots, forcing his opponent into a count.

Following a 10-round bout,  Tsendbaatar was declared the winner by unanimous decision, earning the seventh belt of his professional career.

Barbadian boxer Cobia Breedy suffered the second loss of his career—both defeats coming against Mongolian fighters. He was previously beaten by Tugstsogt Nyambayar making Tsendbaatar the second Mongolian to defeat him.

Over 13.2 Million Newborn Livestock Recorded Nationwide www.montsame.mn

As of May 1, 2026, a total of 13,395,300 newborn livestock have been recorded nationwide, of which 13.243 million have survived, representing a survival rate of 98.9%, according to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.

Out of the 22.4 million breeding female livestock expected to give birth this season, 59.8%, or 13.388 million animals, have already delivered offspring.

By region, the lambing and calving rate has reached 63.9% in the western region, 60.7% in the eastern region, 56.0% in the central region, and 59.3% in the Khangai region, with livestock birthing activities continuing across the country.

Green License Plates to Be Issued for Electric Vehicles Under the 'Chuluulye' Initiative www.montsame.mn

The Government has adopted policy decisions aimed at promoting the use of electric vehicles and increasing their adoption as part of the “Chuluulye” initiative.

In this context, Director of the Automobile Transport Policy and Regulation Department at the Ministry of Road and Transport Development, Munkhnasan E., announced today that electric vehicles will be granted green license plates and exempted from license plate restriction regulations based on specific classifications.

The decision was discussed and approved at the Cabinet meeting held on April 29, 2026.

The policy seeks to expand the use of electric vehicles and support environmentally friendly transportation amid growing global risks of fuel shortages.

The new regulation will apply only to fully electric vehicles (BEV) and battery-based electric vehicles equipped with range extenders (EREV). Officials clarified that hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), such as Prius and Aqua models, as well as plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), will not be included under this regulation.

In other words, green state license plates will be issued exclusively to vehicles powered entirely by electric motors (BEV) and to EREV-type electric vehicles.

Mongolia, UN Review Cooperation and Set Priorities Ahead of COP17 www.zms.mn

Prime Minister of Mongolia N. Uchral met with UN Resident Coordinator Jaap van Hierden and heads of UN agencies on April 29 to review ongoing cooperation, achievements and future priorities.

The prime minister expressed appreciation for the contribution of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and its team in expanding Mongolia–UN cooperation across multiple sectors and delivering tangible social and economic results.

He noted that amid growing geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty, the role of the United Nations in international affairs is becoming increasingly important. Uchral also highlighted that 2026 marks the 65th anniversary of Mongolia’s membership in the United Nations, stressing the importance of jointly organizing commemorative events.

During the meeting, Resident Coordinator Jaap van Hierden reaffirmed that the UN’s next five-year cooperation framework for Mongolia (2028–2032) will be aligned with the country’s medium- and long-term development policies.

He welcomed the government’s prioritization of green development, noting that recent policy decisions to promote renewable energy are in line with UN goals and global sustainability efforts.

Prime Minister Uchral also expressed gratitude for the UN’s continued support in preparing for the upcoming UNCCD COP17, emphasizing that Mongolia is accelerating preparations and focusing on resolving key issues to ensure a successful conference.

He underlined that the government’s policies are aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, with a strong focus on human development, accelerating digital transformation, supporting innovation and investment in green growth, and addressing environmental degradation through restoration efforts.

The prime minister further noted that the government has discussed a draft Law on Climate Change and adopted key resolutions to support renewable energy and green development at its latest cabinet meeting.

Both sides welcomed the progress made under the “Mongolia–UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023–2027” and agreed to further strengthen results-oriented and practical cooperation in the coming years.

Source: Zuuniimedee № 83 (7825) May 1, 2026

Mongolia, Japan to Expand Cooperation in Technology, AI, Green Development www.montsame.mn

 Prime Minister  Uchral Nyam-Osor received a delegation led by Akihisa Takebe, Head of the Secretariat of the Japan–Mongolia Parliamentary Friendship League in the House of Representatives of Japan.

The two sides highlighted that bilateral relations and cooperation have been steadily expanding and strengthening across all sectors under the Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity between Mongolia and Japan. Prime Minister Uchral noted in particular that the state visit to Mongolia by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan in 2025 was a historic milestone in bilateral relations.

The Prime Minister outlined the Government’s policy to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment, noting that Mongolia is working to create a more open legal and regulatory environment to initiate reforms in the banking sector. He said Mongolia is open to Japanese banks to explore opportunities and cooperate in the market.

Both sides agreed to further align their development policies based on shared values such as democracy, freedom, and economic cooperation, and to enrich bilateral ties with new areas, including technological advancement, artificial intelligence, and green development solutions.

Mr. Takebe noted that there is strong potential for Japan to cooperate with Mongolia in developing human resources in the rapidly growing technology sector. The two sides also exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including the expansion of Chinggis Khaan International Airport, investment in renewable energy, and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.

Customs inspector arrested due to bribery www.ubpost.mn

An official of the General Customs Administration of Mongolia, identified as D.N., was apprehended by investigators from the Independent Authority Against Corruption of Mongolia while allegedly accepting a substantial bribe in Songinokhairkhan District at approximately 8:00 p.m. last Sunday. The arrest was carried out as an urgent measure following the discovery of the alleged criminal act in progress, underscoring the seriousness of the case and the authorities’ intent to curb corruption within key state institutions.

According to official sources, the case is being investigated under multiple provisions of the Criminal Code, including Section 18.6-1 (money laundering), 22.1-1 (abuse of power), and 22.4-1 (accepting a bribe). These charges stem from suspicions that certain customs officials, who are entrusted with overseeing inspections of goods and vehicles crossing Mongolia’s borders, may have abused their authority to engage in illicit practices. Such actions allegedly include granting undue advantages to private business entities in exchange for bribes, as well as concealing the origins and nature of illegally obtained income through money laundering schemes.

As part of the ongoing investigation, D.N., a state customs inspector, is suspected of having accepted a bribe of 50 million MNT from the director of MN Post LLC, a company engaged in international freight forwarding and logistics services. In return, the official is believed to have provided preferential treatment to the company, facilitating its operations in ways that may have violated established customs regulations and legal standards.

Authorities have also detained the company’s director, identified as T., on suspicion of offering the bribe. Both individuals are currently under investigation, and law enforcement officials have indicated that further inquiries are underway to determine whether additional parties or a broader network may be involved.

The case has once again drawn public attention to persistent concerns regarding corruption risks within customs operations, particularly in sectors handling cross-border trade and logistics. Officials emphasized that maintaining transparency and accountability in such strategic areas remains a top priority, as corruption not only undermines fair competition but also erodes public trust in state institutions.

Trump sons invested in US group developing $1.1B tungsten project in Kazakhstan: FT www.mining.com

A company backed by two of US President Donald Trump’s sons reportedly invested in a mining group that is developing a $1.1 billion tungsten project in Kazakhstan, Financial Times has found.

According to FT, both Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have been using a shell company to buy stakes in US construction group Skyline Builders (Nasdaq: SKBL), which on Thursday merged with Cove Kaz Capital Group, the unit of New York-based mining investment group Cove Capital that was awarded the tungsten project last year.

As part of the merger, the companies will create a new entity named Kaz Resources to operate the project, which comprises two deposits (Northern Katpar and Upper Kairakty) located less than 20 miles apart in the Karaganda mining district of Central Kazakhstan.

The FT report, citing securities filings, detailed that Skyline had paid $20 million for a 20% stake in a company with “significant critical minerals assets in Asia”, which it revealed to be Kaz Resources. Following the Skyline-Cove merger, Kaz Resources is expected to list on the Nasdaq under the symbol “KAZR”.

Responding to FT requests, a Trump Jr. spokesperson said he “does not interface with the federal government on behalf of any company he invests in or advises,” while Eric did not comment.

The deal follows a November announcement disclosing Cove Capital’s involvement in the project as part of the Trump administration’s push to develop critical minerals assets globally to reduce its reliance on Chinese supply. The deal also underpinned a strengthened economic partnership between the US and Kazakhstan, which signed a memorandum of understanding on critical minerals that month.

‘Largest undeveloped’ tungsten resource
According to Cove Capital, the project in Kazakhstan is the largest known undeveloped tungsten resource globally. A JORC-compliant mineral resource from 2023 estimated 1.4 million tonnes of tungsten trioxide (WO3), representing over half of China’s 2.4-million-tonne reserve as calculated by the US Geological Survey.

The current feasibility studies outlined a production capacity of approximately 12,000 million tonnes per annum from the two deposits, representing approximately 15% of global production, it said.

Cove Capital’s CEO Pini Althaus told Reuters last year that the company anticipates first production in about three years. “This is a generational win for the US and its critical minerals needs,” he also said.

To fund its projected $1.1 billion development cost, the US Export-Import Bank and US International Development Finance Corporation have each expressed interest in funding up to $900 million and $700 million, respectively.

As disclosed in the November announcement, Cove (now Kaz Resources) will control 70% of the project venture and sales of the metal, with Kazakh state miner Tau-Ken Samruk controlling the remaining 30%.