The Mongolian National Olympic Committee presented the Burte Chono Awards to the nation’s top athletes, coaches, and sports committees on December 23 at SS Club. President of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee D.Zagdsuren opened this year’s Burte Chono, and said, “We gathered here to select the top athletes, coaches and committees of the year. I am happy to say that Burte Chono Awards is being organized for the 15th year. The year 2016 was an amazing year for the sports sector. Mongolian athletes have brought medals from the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics.” Olympic silver medalist judoka D.Sumiya was awarded the Best of the Best Female Athlete of the Year prize, while bronze medalist of the World Wrestling Championship and Asian champion D.Otgontsetseg, and world champion weightlifter M.Ankhtsetseg were granted the Best Female Athletes of the Year award. After receiving the prestigious award, D.Sumiya said, “There are teams, coaches, sponsors and federations behind every athlete. Thank you all.” The Best of the Best Male Athlete of the Year award went to Olympic bronze medalist boxer D.Otgondalai, while the Best Male Athletes of the Year awards were presented to Paralympic bronze medalist powerlifter E.Sodnompiljee and Paralympic bronze medalist judoka B.Uugankhuu. Boxer D.Otgondalai commented, “I want to express my gratitude to the people who stood by my side until now. All of Mongolia stands behind athletes in success and failure. Thank you Mongolia. I promise to serve Mongolia.” Judo coach Kh.Erdenet-Od won this year’s Best of the Best Coach of the Year award. Para-judo coach Ch.Bazarsuren and boxing coach D.Batsuren were named Best Coaches of the Year. The Best Team of the Year award went to the National University 3x3 Basketball Team and the Best Young Athlete of the Year prize went to cyclist B.Tegshbayar. M.Bukhbat of the Mongolian Judo Association won the Best Referee of the Year award. The Best of the Best Sports Committee of the Year award went to the Mongolian Judo Association. The Mongolian Chess Federation and Mongolian Boxing Federation were awarded the Best Sports Committee of the Year. The Best Secretary General of Sports Committee prize was granted to G.Yuruulbat of the Mongolian Gymnastics Federation, while president of the Mongolian Judo Association Kh.Battulga was awarded the Best President of Sports Committee. Around 100 members of the Mongolian Sports Press Union voted for the nominees prior to the awards ceremony. Head of the Office of the Mongolian President Ts.Bayarsaikhan, Minister of Education, Culture, Science and SportsJ.Batsuuri, advisor to thePresident of Mongolia and president of the Mongolian Football Federation A.Ganbaatar, Member of Parliament B.Bat-Erdene, and celebrated athletes and sports figures attended the 15th Burte Chono Awards.