Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, June 25, 2025: The President of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee, Battushig Batbold, gave an in-depth interview with Unread Today hybrid media company (www.unread.media) on the occasion of Olympic Day.
The IOC Member spoke of the significance of Olympic Day around the world, the visit of the OCA to conduct the “Asian Games for All” programme, the new IOC President Kirsty Coventry and the efforts of Mongolia to host the IOC’s Youth Olympic Games, among other topics.
Here are a few extracts from the Q&A session.
What is the significance of Olympic Day?
Every year on June 23, Olympic Day is celebrated worldwide. It marks the day in 1894 when representatives from 12 countries gathered in Paris and founded the modern Olympic Movement. It is essentially the birthday of the International Olympic Committee. Globally, various events promoting healthy lifestyles and positive societal values through sport are held. This year, a delegation from the Olympic Council of Asia is visiting Mongolia, and we are organizing our traditional “Olympic Day Run”—a special highlight. This year, I’m here in Lausanne attending the handover ceremony for the newly elected IOC President, Kirsty Coventry. On this occasion, I’d like to extend Olympic Day greetings to all athletes, sports family and supporters of Mongolia’s Olympic movement.
Thoughts on the newly elected IOC President?
In March of 2025, seven candidates contested for the IOC Presidential election in Greece. Zimbabwean Olympic champion and former Minister of Sport Mrs. Kirsty Coventry was elected—the first female and first African President. She is also a close friend and a great person; we are family friends, with our similarly aged children becoming friends and meeting during game times and IOC events. This election reflects the IOC’s internal commitment to equity and diversity as well as in our belief for her capacity as leader of our movement. In 2026, Africa will host its first Youth Olympic Games in Senegal at Dakar 2026, and smaller countries are now viable hosts for 2030 and 2034.
What is Mongolia’s policy on hosting the Olympics?
We have officially expressed interest in hosting the Youth Olympic Games in 2030 or 2034. Around 10 countries are in the process for bidding for it, including several from Latin America and Asia such as India, Thailand and Indonesia, all actively engaging the Future Host Commission including Mongolia.
Hosting a Youth Olympics is a tremendous opportunity. Over 100 IOC members typically visit to attend part of the Games and see the country, placing the host nation at the center of global sports attention and offering unparalleled tourism and marketing exposure. It also encourages a healthy lifestyle and awareness of sport among youth aged 15–18 and brings lasting educational, cultural and economic benefits. It’s not just a sports event but also an educational and cultural event that brings nations together.
What programmes are being implemented for youth development?
In 2022, when I became the President of Mongolia NOC, we started the translation and began implementing the IOC’s Olympic Values Education Program (OVEP) in Mongolia. This innovative approach develops children’s ethics, social skills, physical health and knowledge through sport. Through games and exercises, values like excellence, respect and friendship - together are taught together.
We are rolling out the program in public schools in phases, training instructors and partnering with educational institutions. I’m deeply grateful to the NOC’s First Vice President, Mr Naranbaatar, the Mongolian Olympic Academy and our team for prioritizing this program and contributing so significantly.