8 children die after falling from horse in Mongolia so far this year

ULAN BATOR: At least eight children have died and another five seriously injured after falling from horses in Mongolia so far this year, local media reported Thursday, citing a statement by the country’s National Police Agency.

The statement came as issues related to the rights and safety of child jockeys are being raised at a time when the Mongolian national holiday Naadam, which features horse racing, archery and wrestling, is approaching.

Inscribed in UNESCO’s List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the official holiday is celebrated from July 11-15.

In 2018, the Mongolian government decided to ban horse races in winter.

According to the Rules of the National Naadam Horse Racing, the minimum age of child jockeys is seven years old. However, this rule does not apply to all horse races organized throughout the year in the country.

-Xinhua