Ever heard of knuckle-bone shooting? This community says it teaches the “art of focus.”

Key points
  • Mongolian knuckle shooting is on the UNESCO list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
  • A sports association organizes weekly competitions in Sydney and other major Australian cities.
  • Community members say the sport makes a positive contribution to their mental health.
Since Baatar Jamiyan moved to Melbourne from Mongolia just over a year ago, there has been one activity that has helped him stay in touch with his culture.
“I came to Australia to study and really missed my home country. But since I started knuckle-bone shooting, I have reconnected with my roots and made many new friends,” he told SBS Mongolian.

He compared the team game – in which players use a smooth wooden surface to shoot small marble tablets at a ‘knuckle bone’ target nearly five meters away – to a form of meditation, noting that even a slight loss of focus has a detrimental effect can have on team play. effect.

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Mongolian knuckle shooting games can last several hours and require focus and precision. Credit: N Batbyar/Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

Depending on the number of teams, a full game can last up to 10 hours. Jamiyan said the extended playing time helped both body and mind relax, especially after a hard week of studying.

What is Mongolian knuckle shooting?

Mongolian knuckle shooting, documented as early as the 12th century, has been recognized by UNESCO on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Genghis Khan (also known as Chinggis Khan), the founder of the Mongol Empire, and his grandson Munkh would use the game to build soldiers’ hand strength and precision.

Over time, this traditional game developed into one of the four major sports in Mongolia, alongside horse racing, archery and wrestling.

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The sport can be traced back to at least the 12th century. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

Today it is practiced all over the world, driven by a growing Mongolian diaspora.

This is the case in Australia, where the 2021 census counted 5,397 people born in Mongolia.

However, Mongolian Ambassador Davaasuren Damdinsuren recently told SBS News that there could be as many as 20,000 Mongolians in Australia, many of whom are here on student visas.

‘Promoting community’

Most weekends, Gerelt-Od Chimeddavaa can be found at Wolli Creek or Olympic Park, Sydney, chairing matches that are usually attended by more than 20 people.

Chimeddavaa is the head of the Australian branch of the Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association, which was founded five years ago.

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Gerelt-Od Chimeddavaa describes knuckle shooting as a ‘spiritual’ pursuit. Credit: Gerelt-Od Chimeddavaa

He first moved to Sydney in 2016 and started playing in 2021, quickly becoming fascinated.

“Once you’re addicted, there’s no going back,” he says.
He explained that the sport was a common part of public events celebrating Mongolian national holidays, while weekly gatherings were also well attended in major cities.

“Members in Australia come together to play every weekend, fostering community and tradition in cities across the country,” he said.

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The Australian branch of the Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association was founded five years ago. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

“The game provides much-needed mental support as they deal with the challenges of adapting to a new culture and managing their (life) in (a) new country.”

Spirituality and brotherhood

The sport involves several special tools that are usually made from natural materials.

The target bone, known as ‘khasaa’, is about the size of a standard die and can be made of amber, tusk or horn bone. Nowadays plastic is also used.

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The essential equipment, dimensions and distances used in the game. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

The arrow, also called ‘sum’, used for shooting is made from naturally fallen deer antlers.

The target bones are arranged on a wooden structure called ‘zurkhai’, with an ‘aravch’ board behind it to prevent scattering.

Each team consists of six main players and two reserve players. Players sit on custom-made chairs, adjusted to their body size, and use a wooden fence rail, or ‘khashlaga’, to shoot the tablets towards the target.

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Mongolians play knuckle shooting while celebrating the Naadam Festival in Sydney. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

Each shot is followed by a song known as ‘uukhai’. Teams use harmonious chanting to motivate their shooters, while opponents make abrupt noises to distract them, but never use rude words.

Chimeddavaa said the sport is taught and the ‘art of focus’ and emphasized the deep attachment many people have to the game.

To me this is more than just a game; it is a spiritual experience. It requires deep focus, reflection and careful thought. Once you start to feel this connection, it becomes a way of life.

Gerelt-Od Chimeddavaa, head of the Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

The game is traditionally played by men, but there is also a women’s version.

Enkhjargal Adiya, the secretary of the Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association, said the sport was based on intelligence and not physical strength.

“We have more than 20 offices worldwide, most of which are located in Europe and other regions. These branches help Mongolian men stay connected to their cultural roots,” he said.
“This is a national sport that is open to everyone, regardless of age or location. A skilled knuckle-bone shooter remains calm in all situations, both in play and in life, and demonstrates inner strength and wise decision-making.”

Ganhuyag Gongorjav, who has lived in Australia for more than two decades and now calls Brisbane home, also praised the unifying forces of the sport.

“The tradition brings team members from different backgrounds closer together, encourages their interaction and respect towards elders and each other, improves their social cohesion and teaches young team members about team play, social well-being and mental stability,” he said.

Challenges for new players

Although the game attracts the interest of foreigners, mastering the complicated rules and techniques takes time.
Jamie Kenmure, an Australian who has visited Mongolia several times, shared his experiences.

“For me, this game is a unique experience, completely different from anything I normally play. It felt refreshing, without any stress,” said Kenmure.

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The sport is practiced by men from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

Although the game seems simple, it is far from easy. Beginners often have difficulty moving the bone even halfway to the target, with it landing on their feet instead.

According to Chimeddavaa, you can only master the sport with consistent practice, proper technique and strong focus.

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