Mongolia wrestles for Olympic glory

In Mongolia wrestling is a time-honoured pastime. Men hone their skills grappling livestock on the steppes and on each other at festivals.

So it's no wonder the tradition has translated into Olympic gold -- even on the judo mat.

Naidan Tuvshinbayar became a household name in 2008 when he won the county's first ever Olympic Gold medal.

He and other judokas are training in a mountain retreat, building endurance and perfecting moves.

The 28-year-old is hoping to defend his title in the men's under 100 kilogrammes class in London, likely his last Olympics.

(SOUNDBITE) JUDOKA, NAIDAN TUVSHINBAYAR, SAYING (Mongolian):

"Of course we athletes are competing for our country. And I'm competing to be an Olympic champion again, and have my country's name be heard across the world. That's the main goal. As for myself, I am competing against myself."

Mongolia is putting weight behind its other judokas in London.

Munkhbaatar Bundmaa is hopeful of a medal in the under 52 class.

(SOUNDBITE) JUDOKA, MUKHBAATAR BUNDMAA, SAYING (Mongolian):

"This year, I am going to participate in the Olympics, and I'm confident in myself. According to the International Judo Federation rating, I'm in first place. I'm confident in myself, and going to the Olympics is not a small thing. I will come back with a medal."

Mongolia also excels in Olympic wrestling, shooting and boxing, in which it took its second and only other gold in 2008.

Masako Iijima, Reuters