Mongolian president defends two controversial wrestling coaches

Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj on Monday defended the two controversial wrestling coaches that stripped their clothes during Rio Olympics protesting decision of judges that gave victory to Uzbekistan's Ikhtiyor Navruzov over Mongolian wrestler in the 65kg freestyle bronze medal match.

Elbegdorj received top Mongolian athletes and the two wrestling coaches on Monday and congratulated them for their performance in Rio.

Elbegdorj said, "The Mongolian people should fight with injustice and conspiracy, corruption wherever these are. The Mongolian people should protect honor of Mongolia wherever they are. I see actions of our two coaches as such action of fight. I don't know what else could have been done."

In the match, Mandakhnaran Ganzorig started to celebrate prematurely in front of his opponent and stopped wrestling in the last few seconds of the match. As a result, Mandakhnaran was deducted points as a penalty and the Uzbek wrestler was given the victory by the judges.

Mandakhnaran's coaches considered the decision unfair and protested by stripping off their clothes in front of the judges.

In Mongolia, although many supported the actions of the coaches and saw the judges as favoring the Uzbek wrestler, some criticized the wrestler of losing patience in the game. Endit