On January 14, 2025, the Director of the World Mas-Wrestling Center Innokentiy Grigoriev held a meeting to prepare for the VII World Mas-Wrestling Championship, scheduled for July 30 to August 3, 2025, in the Arkhangai aimag, Mongolia

The meeting, held via video conference, was attended by staff from the international mas-wrestling department of the Republican Center for National Sports named after Vasiliy Manchary and the leadership of the Mongolian Mas-Wrestling Federation.

The Mongolian side once again confirmed special conditions for all participants of the 2025 World Mas-Wrestling Championship: transfer from the international airport to the competition venue and back, accommodation, and three meals per day, taking into account national preferences (including halal and vegan) – free of charge. However, there are nuances.

For participation in the world championships among adults and senior youth, national mas-wrestling federations are allowed to declare only one national team roster, with no more than 3 athletes per weight category. The Mongolian Mas-Wrestling Federation, as the host, is allowed to declare two rosters. This is due to funding conditions. The previously proposed separate world championship for athletes aged 18-21 was rejected by the organizers for the same reason.

According to the updated International Mas-Wrestling Rules, the number of weight categories has increased:

- Men: 10 categories: 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg, 90 kg, 105 kg, 125 kg, and 125+ kg;

- Women: 7 categories: 55 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 85 kg, and 85+ kg;

- Senior boys (16-17 years old): 9 categories: 50 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 90 kg, and 90+ kg;

- Senior girls (16-17 years old): 7 categories: 45 kg, 50 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, and 70+ kg.

All these categories should be reflected in the Regulations of both championships, which are expected to be signed and approved by the end of the week.

What does this give us? The number of prizes is increasing and more athletes will have the opportunity to become the best in our sport!

It's important! Athletes can be included in the national team only by citizenship, which is established by identity card or passport which original version must be submitted to the Commission for the Admission of Participants.

Arriving participants from various countries will be met at the airport of Mongolia's capital and then taken to a tourist base in 70 km from Ulaanbaatar. There, groups will be formed for further travel into the country. The journey to Arkhangai aimag is not short – 480 km, taking 5 to 7 hours by bus with stops. Along the way, there will be opportunities to see the Small Gobi and other sights. A stop for hot meals will be made approximately 270 km into the journey. Meals en route are at your own expense, but the cost will not be prohibitively expensive. It's better to exchange currency at the airport, doing it locally will be difficult.

At the heart of the events – in Arkhangai, a settlement of 100 (!) yurts awaits you. You will be able to fully immerse yourselves in the life of real nomads. You will step outside your comfort zone to experience a world previously unknown to you. It might be interesting, isn't it? Who can be surprised by a standard hotel room these days? A true adventure awaits city dwellers! Thanks to mas-wrestling for this opportunity. All countries will live together in close proximity to each other in identical conditions. The yurts will have everything for a full rest. They say that sleeping in a yurt is a special pleasure. Each yurt can accommodate 3-4 people. Shower and toilet facilities will be located separately (for 3-4 yurts). Organizers are also considering a sauna option.

Competitions will take place at a stadium with a capacity of 2,500 spectators. Organizers promise a sold-out event. The weather at this time is always comfortable and sunny. In the event of precipitation, which according to local residents is unlikely, there will be the possibility of organizing competitions in a new sports complex.

From May to September, Mongolia has a very high tourist season. In light of this, please purchase air tickets in advance and submit team lists for visa invitations in advance to save money. As our Mongolian colleagues told us, guests from 75 countries of the world can enter the country without a visa, but there are still countries that require one.

Dear friends, we will provide updates on the preparations for the World Championship in future publications. Stay tuned!