Mongolia team added to the outstanding field at the Northern Quest 2002 World Cup of Wrestling in Sp

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Gary Abbott (USA Wrestling)
04/02/2002


Mongolia, an Asian power that has a long history of success in international freestyle wrestling, has joined the field at the Northern Quest 2002 World Cup of Wrestling in Spokane, Wash., April 6-7.    The addition of Mongolia, which was the second-place team at the 2001 Asian Wrestling Championships, brings the field to six international powers. Mongolia received a special invitation from FILA, the international federation, based upon their success at the Asian Championships. The other nations in the tournament are the United States, Russia, Korea, Canada and Germany. This provides fans with an opportunity to see even more outstanding Olympic-caliber action during the World Cup event.    The most successful athlete on the Mongolia team is Oyunbileg Purevbaatar, who is competing at 60 kg/132 lbs. Purevbaatar won a silver medal at the 2001 World Championships. He also was a participant in the 2000 Olympic Games, placing fifth, but had his placement voided after a positive drug test. He has competed in five World Championships events, and is a past Asian and East Asian champion.    The Mongolian team features two other athletes who have competed in past Olympic Games: Tumen-ulzii Munkbayar at 84 kg/185 lbs. and Dolgorsuren Sumiyabasar at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.     In addition to competing at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Munkbayar was a member of three Mongolian World Championships teams. His best finish was fifth place in the 1998 World Championships.     Sumiyabasar, who is one of two Mongolian entries at 120 kg/264.5 lbs., competed in both the 1996 Olympic Games and the 2000 Olympic Games. He finished 10th at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He has placed as high as ninth at the World Championships, and has twice been an Asian Championships silver medalist.    Other members of the Mongolian World Cup team that have past World Championships experience include Adiyakhuu Boldsuhk at 66 kg/145.5 lbs. and Gelegjamts Usukhbayar at 120 kg/264.5 lbs.    Boldsuhk has competed in three World Championships for Mongolia, while Usukhbayar has been on two Mongolian World Teams. Usukhbayar was a 2001 Asian Championships champion.    Other members of the Mongolian team are Naranbaatar Bayaraa at 55 kg/121 lbs., Battuyaa Batchuluun at 74 kg/163 lbs. and Tuvshintur Enkhtuya at 97 kg/211.5 lbs.    The published schedule of dual meet pairings will be changed, with Mongolia facing the other five teams.     The Quad State Cup, a USA Wrestling event for athletes from Kids through Open, will be held alongside the World Cup. Young wrestlers can do both - wrestle and watch! For information, contact Craig Hanson at (509)226-0765 or Dale Imes at (509)226-3715.    FanFest will be the activity and hospitality gathering area just for fans at the Northern Quest 2002 World Cup of Wrestling. Meet with your friends before and between sessions. This will be a place to gather autographs, get souvenirs and see the latest in equipment and innovations in wrestling. It will be free and tons of fun!! Join the festivities at the SeasonTicket directly north of the Arena.    Single session tickets are now on sale and range in price from $13-26. Call 1-800-325-SEAT or go to the web site at www.ticketswest.com. An all session adult pass is $69 while an all-session youth pass is $59. Groups of 10 or more receive a $4 discount per ticket. USA Wrestling members, Military Personnel and Seniors 55 and older receive a $2 discount per ticket. No multiple combination of discounts will be accepted.     The headquarters hotel is the Doubletree Spokane City Center. Call (509)455-9600 and ask for the World Cup rate.    For additional information, contact Star USA at (509)448-6829.    MONGOLIA WORLD CUP TEAM  55 kg/121 lbs. - Naranbaatar Bayaraa   60 kg/132 lbs. - Oyunbileg Purevbaatar  66 kg/145.5 lbs. - Adiyakhuu Boldsuhk  74 kg/163 lbs. - Battuyaa Batchuluun  84 kg/185 lbs. - Tumen-ulzii Munkbayar  97 kg/211.5 lbs. - Tuvshintur Enkhtuya  120 kg/264.5 lbs. - Gelegjamts Usukhbayar and Dolgorsuren Sumiyabasar