O.Byamba-Erdene's sports journey serves as a true source of inspiration. Beginning at the “Leather Gloves” club and progressing to represent his nation on global stages, his commitment and persistence stand out. His bronze medal win at the 2022 Asian Games in Amman, Jordan, competing against athletes from 30 nations, showcases his skill in the sport. Additionally, his consistent performance, evident through multiple medal wins in various international competitions, definitely shows his talent. Recently, Byamba-Erdene further solidified his status as a top athlete by securing the bronze medal in the Olympic qualifying competition at the “Ikh Tamir” complex in Khandgait. With his focus now on the upcoming international qualification event for the “Paris-2024” Olympic Games in Bangkok, Thailand, O.Byamba-Erdene remains dedicated to achieving excellence. His narrative epitomizes the essence of diligence, resolve, and the pursuit of athletic achievement.
The upcoming Olympic qualifying tournament in Bangkok, Thailand presents a crucial opportunity for the national team, and each athlete recognizes the gravity of the event and their responsibility to perform their best. Is that right?
Indeed, there's one last chance for international Olympic qualification. Athletes who successfully completed the challenge are gearing up for Thailand next month. We spent two months training together in Europe and participated in the Olympic qualifying event in Italy. Our coaches conducted extensive research during our time there. In the 71 kg weight class, where 70 athletes competed, only four secured Olympic berths. Additionally, two athletes from last year's “Hangzhou-2022” Asian Games opted to aim for Paris. Since nations that didn't secure qualification in Italy will compete in Thailand, the competition promises to be intense. It'll be my second visit to the country, known for its scorching weather. Our national team spent 10 days acclimating during joint training. Missing out on qualification in Italy was disheartening for me, driving me to set my sights on securing an Olympic berth this time.
It's been observed that both domestic and international athletes are vying for success in the 71 kg category, right?
The 71 kg weight category is a recent addition to Olympic boxing competitions, prompting many athletes to adjust their weight accordingly. Personally, I anticipate encountering new opponents at the qualifiers. Some may face unexpected challenges. Once in Thailand, I'll review the draw, seek advice from my coaches, and formulate strategies. I've been in the ring with El Jin for five years. He clinched a bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Championships in Amman, Jordan, defeating competitors from Uzbekistan and the Republic of Korea before triumphing over the world champion from Kazakhstan in the finals. It's likely I'll face familiar faces from that competition, notably the skilled Kazakh boxer who secured Olympic qualification previously. While athletes are rivals, there's always room for mutual learning. I admire his warrior spirit and bravery.
It sounds like you have quite the adventurous and spirited past.
Indeed, I can relate to being active and sometimes a bit unruly during my younger years. Back in 2008, during a sightseeing trip with two of my classmates, we stumbled upon the “Leather Gloves” club near the Bayanzurkh market. Founded in 2007, the club immediately caught our interest, and we couldn't resist peeking through the door to watch coaches D.Turbat, Sh.Bayarsaikhan, and D.Khuderbaatar training the athletes inside. Witnessing their dedication and skill stirred something within me, and when they extended an invitation to join, I eagerly accepted and promised to show up the next day. From that very first training session, I was determined to follow in the footsteps of my mentors and compete on continental and world stages.
They say the first medal in competition comes with a special reward. Is it true in your case as well?
After three months of rigorous training, my coaches were thrilled to see my progress, and my family couldn't have been prouder when I competed in and won my first youth championship named after coach S.Batsukh. I remember wearing my gold medal proudly as I visited my grandmother that day. Seeing their son's achievement, my parents encouraged me further, telling me that success would come with perseverance. Meanwhile, my coaches challenged me and promised tuition exemptions if I won three consecutive tournaments. When I achieved that goal, the club rewarded me with new gear and discounted tuition fees. It was a testament to the power of passion and determination in achieving success. Without stumbling upon that club that day, I couldn't fathom where my life would have taken me. I'm deeply grateful to my coaches for guiding me towards success and to the club for providing me with opportunities to compete and win medals in various competitions. Since then, my coach D.Turbat has been rightfully honored as an esteemed coach and definitely brought joy to his athletes’ lives.
The “Leather Gloves” club has a rich history of nurturing continental, world, and Olympic medalists. Is it true?
When I first joined in 2008, athletes like E.Badar-Uugan, P.Serdamba, Z.Enkhzorig, and B.Tuvshinbat were training diligently for the Beijing Olympics. That same year, E.Badar-Uugan became the Olympic champion, and P.Serdamba secured a silver medal, filling Mongolia with pride. I've remained in touch with my coaches, cherishing their guidance and encouragement. They've instilled in me the belief that success comes through gradual progress and unwavering dedication. I consider myself fortunate to have been mentored by such exceptional coaches who take genuine pride in their students' achievements. One of my coach D.Turbat's athletes, G.Bayarkhuu, went on to become a continental and world champion in professional boxing in South Korea. Additionally, in 2021, M.Myagmarjargal made history by representing our country in the 75 kg weight category for female athletes at the “Tokyo-2020” Olympics. Beyond boxing, my coach also trains athletes in mixed martial arts and kickboxing.
What were your thoughts on the day you stepped on the threshold of the national team from “Leather Gloves”?
Stepping into the realm of the national team from “Leather Gloves” was a moment filled with mixed emotions for me. While it was a proud accomplishment to be selected among the five athletes representing our club in foreign competitions, there was a sense of nostalgia and longing for the familiar surroundings of my club. There were times when I yearned to return to my coach for training, feeling a deep connection to the place where my journey in boxing began. The gold medal proudly displayed by my coach served as a reminder of the countless rewards that came with it, not just in terms of achievements but also in the support and encouragement from my peer athletes. Transitioning to the national team gym was a significant adjustment for me. Initially, the vastness of the facility seemed daunting, and I felt like a small fish in a big pond. Yet, it was a step towards realizing my dreams. Joining my peer athletes in training sessions provided invaluable lessons and insights. Witnessing the success of athletes like N.Tugstsogt, who returned from the London Olympics with a silver medal in 2012, fueled my determination to excel.
Did fighting with your fellow sportsmen help you?
The journey wasn't without its challenges, especially when sparring with my brothers, who would occasionally “smash my dust” during training sessions. Their constructive criticism served as a powerful motivator for me to strive for improvement. Despite the physical toll of training alongside them, their encouragement kept me going. I vividly remember the tough bouts with my mate N.Tugstsogt, a lightweight athlete, whose strength often left me battered and bruised. Yet, each day, I pushed myself to endure and improve, fueled by their belief in my potential. Looking back, I realize that those moments of struggle and perseverance shaped me into the person I am today. Boxing not only molded me into a skilled athlete but also instilled in me valuable lessons of resilience, discipline, and humility. My teammates’ relentless support and challenging training sessions were instrumental in sculpting me into a better athlete and a stronger individual.
There is no such thing as always winning on the stage. There will be moments of frustration. Not all defeats are bad. I could see from the athletes' competition that success has an impact on success. Do you agree with it?
Absolutely, success in sports isn't guaranteed, and there are bound to be moments of frustration and defeat along the way. However, those setbacks shouldn't be viewed solely as failures; they can serve as valuable learning experiences and fuel for future success. I've witnessed firsthand how success breeds success, as each victory builds confidence and momentum for the next challenge. One such moment of realization came during an international competition in Kyrgyzstan, where I returned without a medal, unlike my teammates. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, I used it as motivation to redouble my efforts and push myself harder in training. Reflecting on my defeat fueled my determination to bounce back stronger, and a few months later, I clinched a gold medal in a tournament in Turkey. It was a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. There's a particular battle etched in my memory, preceding the “Pure Gold” competition in 2009, where I made a promise to my grandmother that I would emerge victorious. Despite her passing before the event, fulfilling that promise and winning the gold medal held profound significance for me. Raised by my grandparents, their words of encouragement and belief in my potential have always resonated with me, serving as a source of strength and inspiration.
Did you graduate from Bayanzurkh District School No.97?
As for my education, yes, I graduated from Bayanzurkh District School No.97, renowned for its excellence in aerobic gymnastics and mathematics. When I joined in the 11th grade, I proudly introduced myself as a boxer to my classmates, embracing my passion for the sport.
Who is your closest friend from the national team? World Champion bronze medalist B.Misheelt seemed like one of your good friends.
In terms of friendships within the national team, I share a close bond with esteemed athletes like E.Tsendbaatar and B.Misheelt from the IAF. We've forged a camaraderie built on shared experiences, supporting each other through both triumphs and challenges. While competing against friends like B.Misheelt in the ring, the principle of fair competition prevails, but outside of it, we remain steadfast allies. It's a balance between fierce determination during competition and maintaining camaraderie and sportsmanship off the field. My parents instilled in me the importance of maintaining friendships and steering clear of harmful habits like injuries, alcohol, and smoking, advice I carry with me wherever I go.
Being part of the renowned “Khilchin” sports committee is truly an honor, especially considering the impressive lineup of continental, world, and Olympic medalists it has produced over the years. What do you think about this?
It's been four years since the establishment of the sports committee, and I'm fortunate to have the guidance of esteemed athletes like D.Otgondalai, who now coaches the national boxing team. Under his instruction, I've continued to grow as an athlete, absorbing his wisdom, learning from my mistakes, and sharing insights with my peers. With coach B.Erdenebayar at the helm as the head coach of the national team, his words of encouragement and emphasis on the importance of mental acuity resonate deeply with me. Success in sports isn't solely about physical prowess, it requires strategic thinking akin to playing chess in the ring. I owe a debt of gratitude to the teachers at the “Leather Gloves” club who laid the foundation for my success, as well as to my colleagues at the “Khilchin” sports committee, the coaches and athletes of the national team who have supported me throughout my journey. My family, too, has been my biggest source of hope and encouragement from the outset of my endeavors until now. To my younger brothers who share my passion for boxing, I offer this advice, set your goals ambitiously and persevere relentlessly. Patience, above all else, is the key to unlocking success in any pursuit.
