E.Enkh-Aldar, a member of Mongolia’s woodball national team and a sports master, made his mark in 2016 by finishing sixth in the individual category of the Woodball Championship in South Korea. He also won a bronze medal in the team event, marking the beginning of his success. He has earned numerous medals from international competitions, including silver and bronze. For instance, he participated in the Hong Kong Open International Tournament, where he competed against players from China, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Uganda, ultimately securing a bronze medal with a combined score of 24 lanes in the team event, in the following year. In 2018, he got the fifth place at the World Cup Woodball Championship held in Thailand, and in 2019, he earned a bronze medal in the team event at the Asian Cup Woodball Championship in South Korea, as well as another bronze at the Hong Kong Open. Additionally, he collaborated with sports master D.Davaadorj in the pair event in South Korea, returning with a silver medal. 

Last year, he and his teammates won a bronze medal at the Asian Woodball Championship held in Shaoshan, China. This year, he has traveled to the same city to test his skills in the ninth World Cup Woodball Championship, and we had the opportunity to speak with him.

 

Mongolian athletes are competing against the world’s best athletes in Shaoshan. I heard you are performing well in the men’s individual category of the ball striking competition.

 

Thank you! This time at the World Cup Woodball Championship, the Mongolian men’s and women’s teams competed under the guidance of coach J.Zagas against over 200 players from 12 countries. I was proud to be among the top 12 players in the individual category, achieving the highest success among my teammates. Our women’s team finished fifth, while the men’s team secured sixth place. Teams from Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan took the top three spots. After this tournament, we will continue to participate in the open woodball competition in China. This is our second visit to Shaoshan. Last year, we participated in the 12th Asian Cup Woodball Championship organized there, with 16 top athletes from Mongolia under the guidance of coach M.Ganbold. We are also glad to have returned from the continental competition with accolades. Both the men’s and women’s teams had successful participation in the ball striking category, earning bronze medals.

 

Athletes often cherish their memories from their first competitions. You must have learned a lot from your opponents and recognized the opportunity for personal growth at that time?

 

I experienced going to another country for the first time and participated in the World Cup Woodball Championship and the Korean Open International Woodball Championship alongside my teammates back then. During the competition, I faced the best competitors from around the continent and the world. I realized that as an athlete, if you don’t be afraid and shy away from being new and continue to work hard, achieving success is entirely possible. At that point I recognized the advantage of understanding the court dynamics and managing my mental state effectively.

 

You finished sixth in the individual category at the woodball championship in 2016. You must have felt that competing abroad was different from winning in Mongolia.

 

Yes, it was my first major competition, so I was quite nervous and apprehensive. The weather there was quite challenging and different. Therefore, I played based on the advice of my teammates. At that time, I realized that athletes must continue competing without interruption, regardless of natural phenomena. When playing at home, at least you can communicate in your native language and understand each other. Competing in international tournaments requires knowledge of foreign languages. It felt quite daunting to compete against athletes who had trained for years in the same venues I had never played at before.

 

I believe the men’s team won a bronze medal and a trophy at the Hong Kong International Open the following year?

 

That moment stands out as one of the happiest and most exhilarating experiences of our lives, and it will forever remain etched in my memory. Our coach, who guided us with unwavering support, urged us, “Now is your chance to demonstrate what you’ve learned.” This powerful reminder was instrumental in our success. The thought of returning empty-handed if we didn’t perform well fueled our determination, driving us to push harder than ever. Ultimately, we secured the bronze medal. The trophy we earned from such fierce competition is not just a symbol of victory; it represents the culmination of our hard work and dedication. My teammates and I were able to truly showcase our skills and growth in that challenging environment, and it reinforced our belief in what we can achieve together.

 

Woodball has developed significantly in Asian countries, making the championships highly competitive. Have you observed the playing techniques and tactics of athletes from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan during the competition?

 

Foreign athletes not only train consistently but also have this robust support from their governments, which provide them with everything they need to excel. They compete on courts that adhere to international standards, ensuring a level playing field. Many members of their national teams are students from prestigious sports academies, flourishing their skills from a young age. When they learn that Mongolian athletes often pursue diverse professions outside of sports, they are frequently taken aback, highlighting the cultural differences in how we approach athletics and career development.

 

Which country’s athletes in Asia deliver the most exciting performances? How do they perceive the strong competition from Mongolian players?

 

Athletes from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Thailand consistently put on the most captivating displays in any competition. For instance, players from these countries typically train continuously for at least three months leading up to an event. In contrast, we manage to train for just seven to 14 days during our work breaks, and people are often impressed and enthusiastic about us competing with them.

 

What should we focus on to reach their level?

 

We urgently need training facilities that meet international standards. If we can organize our national championships to an international level once a year, it would significantly enhance our athletes’ skills. Additionally, if the government provides support for national team members competing abroad, our athletes could match the capabilities of their foreign counterparts.

 

What challenges do our athletes face in achieving success?

 

There are numerous issues, including the costs when participating in competitions, financial resources for training, and difficulties with time off from work, as well as access to proper playing venues.

 

Did you enter this sport out of passion or as a hobby?

 

When I was a first-year student in university, an older student, International Master M.Sugarsuren, approached me during a school competition and said, “There’s a sport called woodball. You should try it out; they’re currently accepting new members.” That’s how I first met coach J.Zagas. I’ve always been quite curious. After learning about the woodball, I felt compelled to give it a try, so I started training.

 

What competition marked the beginning of your journey as an athlete?

 

I started my journey in 2015 with the national student championship. I ranked ninth among the top 12 athletes with a total score across 24 lanes, which inspired me greatly.

 

What do you find most rewarding about the connection between the ball and the paddle?

 

Since I began playing woodball, I’ve felt a sense of energy, calmness, and joy.

 

To stay dedicated to your training, it must be helpful to have the support of those close to you.

 

My family understands and supports me very well. Initially, they were a bit hesitant, saying, “You’re interested in so many sports. Don’t get distracted; focus on one.” However, as I persisted and achieved success in competitions, earning medals, their support grew. Now, they are my loyal fans. 

 

Sports can be quite demanding, with many challenges and obstacles. You’ve likely faced your share of difficulties as well.

 

I’ve encountered moments of doubt and frustration more than once. During those times, I constantly reminded myself, “I can’t let my dad’s name go down.” Additionally, my teammates and my mother and sister have been tremendous sources of support.

 

I heard you graduated from the Mongolian University of Life Sciences with a degree in biotechnology. Your student life must have been quite hectic with classes, training, and competitions?

 

Absolutely, it was very busy. I would attend classes in the morning, then change in the teacher’s room and spend the entire day training outside. I’ve been scolded by some of my teachers for it, but I cherish those moments spent training and competing. Those times were some of the best in my life, allowing me to grow through sports and create wonderful memories and invaluable lessons that I will carry with me.

 

Over the years, who has guided you towards success?

 

My coach, International Master J.Zagаs, my family, and my teammates. Without my coach, we wouldn’t have been able to represent our country on the continental or world stage. His dedication and efforts played a significant role in helping us compete at the level of foreign players.

 

Athletes often strive to be better than their competitors. How did you make it to the national team?

 

I believe that sticking to the guidance of my coach and senior teammates helped me become a member of the national team and maintain my commitment to the sport.

 

What was the atmosphere like on your first day of training with the national team?

 

When I first entered the gym for training, I was welcomed by a friendly team, a warm environment, and lots of laughter.

 

How has playing woodball changed you?

 

I was a different person before. Playing woodball has made me more confident, patient, and goal-oriented, instilling a strong desire to work hard for those goals.

 

In sports, friendship and rivalry coexist. Have you often faced friends as opponents on the court?

 

I’ve competed against friends many times on the court. There have been moments of winning, losing, and even disagreements. I try to keep the competition on the court, and after the match, I enjoy good friendships with them.

 

It’s said that a lost athlete often reveals more about their goals than a winning one. Have you also pushed yourself to win in subsequent competitions?

 

In competitions, winning and losing alternate. I don’t boast about my victories or dwell on my losses. Learning from mistakes is what leads to success. In my first one or two years, I often missed out on medals. I believe I’ve performed well enough at the championship to refine my skills.

 

It can be hard to hear criticism about one’s shortcomings. Who do you find most valuable when it comes to advice and praise?

 

I often remember and take to heart the words of Coach J.Zagas. Compared to my university days, I’ve become better at accepting both criticism and praise.

 

What advantages do you see in sports for the youth today, and what qualities are crucial for staying as an athlete?

 

Engaging in sports teaches respect for others, fairness, responsibility, and the ability to manage tasks on time. I’d tell my peers that in the competitive field of sports, qualities like patience, perseverance, and diligence are essential for becoming a successful athlete.