Mongolia Lifts Ban on Spring Horse Racing ^{CEFR B1}

In January, the Mongolian government lifted a ban on spring horse racing that had been in effect since 2019. This decision followed protests by horsemen, who felt that the ban threatened their cultural heritage. The ban aimed to protect child jockeys, boys aged 5 to 13, who often face dangerous conditions while racing.

While spring races are now allowed from March 1, critics argue that this change poses significant risks to child jockeys. Reports show that many children have suffered injuries, and the harsh winter conditions can be especially dangerous. Moreover, some children miss school to participate in these races.

The lifting of the ban has raised concerns about the motivations behind it. There are accusations of political interests, as many government officials have connections to horse racing. Critics fear that the continuation of these races could lead to further risks for young riders, echoing dangerous societal issues likened to a real-life 'Squid Game' scenario for the vulnerable.