The 2019 Darhan Cup International Bokh Championship kicked off in Hohhot, capital city of North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Dec 8 -- attracting the participation of 256 athletes from countries including China, Mongolia, and Japan, according to people.com.cn.

Bokh -- literally Mongolian wrestling in the Mongolian language -- is one of "the three games of men" of the Mongolian ethnic group.

The sport, along with horsemanship and archery, forms the basis of the competition at the Nadam Fair in Inner Mongolia, which is held annually in midsummer.

The Inner Mongolian delegation strides into the competition arena, on Dec 8. [Photo/people.com.cn]

A morin khuur performance is staged during the event, Dec 8. Morin khuur, also known as the horsehead fiddle, is a traditional Mongolian bowed string instrument. [Photo/people.com.cn]