Mongolia’s New President Is a Badass Judo Expert and Olympic Gold-Winning Coach

On July 7th, Mongolians elected their new president, Khaltmaa Battulga, after the most divisive election in the country’s history, according to the Washington Post. Battulga has previously served as a member of parliament since 2004, being re-elected in 2008 and 2012. He is also a world champion in Sambo and is responsible for leading Mongolia to its first ever gold medal win in Judo in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Battulga ran a campaign against his opponent, Miyegombo Enkhbold, that relied heavily on “Sinophobia, nationalism, and fearmongering“, with many of his supporters accusing Enkhbold of having Chinese heritage and, therefore, supposedly not being a true son of Mongolia.

His campaign’s slogan was “Mongol Ylna,” which can be translated to “a Mongol will triumph,” promoting the notion that only Battulga could claim such lineage.

The polls were extremely close, with Battulga emerging victorious after winning 50.6% of the vote.

Battulga will take his place as Mongolia’s 5th president, succeeding Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj after a successful two terms in office.