WORLD CHAMPION N.ERKHEMBAYAR WINS WORLD DEAF WRESTLING CADET AND JUNIOR FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIP
N.Erkhembayar took part in the World Deaf Wrestling Cadet and Junior Freestyle Championship 2016 held in Tehran, Iran and won the championship in freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling in the 54 kg weight category.
N.Erkhembayar previously seized a silver medal at the 23rd Summer Deaflympics, an international multi-sport event that took place in Samsun, Turkey in 2017 where 3,105 athletes from 97 countries competed in 21 different events.
For his achievements, the wrestler was awarded the Order of the Polar Star, Mongolia’s highest state award, last year.
N.Erkhembayar, who has severe hearing loss, gave an interview to news.mn with the help of his teacher Kh.Purevsuren and his aunt.
First of all, I’d like to congratulate you on receiving the Order of the Polar Star. Can you tell us how you felt?
Thank you so much. I didn’t expect that I would receive it. I’d like to express my gratitude to everyone who supports me.
Why did you start training in freestyle wrestling and Greco-Roman wrestling?
I’ve always loved wrestling since I was a kid. My cousin Munkhbayar is a Soum Elephant (folk wrestling title), and my brother Enkhbaatar is a judoka. He won a bronze medal from the State Junior Championships, and bronze, silver and gold medals from the Province Championships. I think it influenced me to start training.
At what age did you start training?
I started training in 2011 when I was 11 under the guidance of my coach Battushig.
Who would you like to name as tough opponents at the World Championships?
There were many skillful wrestlers such as Ershatyg Janabil from Kazakhstan, Serhan Dolek from Turkey, and Nasser Karimi from Iran.
What was the biggest difference between Mongolian and foreign wrestlers?
I think they are all bigger than me. But I thought I can win if I train well.
Participating in international competitions costs a lot. Are there any companies that sponsor you?
Many people and companies supported me at the World Championships, including the Mongolian Committee of Deaf Sports, mayor of Uvurkhangai Province, World Vision International, Hasu Megawatt Stars Club and my classmates. I’d like to say thank you again and again to all of them.
Were you bullied because of your hearing loss?
People might find it difficult to understand me. Sometimes I make mistakes because of my hearing loss.
Who understands and supports you the most?
My mother understands and supports me the most. Also, my coaches and teachers understand me well.
What do you want the government to do to support disabled citizens?
I want people to see us as equal citizens who also have aspirations, goals in life and love for our country. I want the government to support us on what we can do.
What profession do you desire to have?
Of course, I want to be a great wrestler. But also to be a good referee who helps disabled children to become famous athletes in the world is my desire.
Do people offend you? How do you deal with
it?
Sometimes I get frustrated when I can’t express myself well. But I recognize if people are talking about good or bad things with the help of my eyes. My classmates understand me very well and I feel relaxed when I talk to them.
What does your mother tell you when you go abroad for competitions?
My mother says, “Train well so that you can bring achievements form every competition you participate in, my son. I know that you can do it.” All I want is to see my mother living happily.
When was the last time you gave a present to your mother?
The day I was awarded with the Order of the Polar Star my mother looked so happy as if I had given her a present.
Which competition are you preparing for currently?
I have started my training aiming to win the State Junior Championships.