College students hit the ground, competing ferociously in a bout of Bokh -- or traditional Mongolian wrestling -- during the 9th Naadam Festival staged at Hohhot Minzu College in Hohhot, in Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on May 22. [Photo/saibeinews]

Arrows were flying, horses racing at full gallop and muscles flexing to the max at the 9th Naadam Festival -- held at Hohhot Minzu College in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on May 22.

Literally meaning games in Mongolian, Naadam is a festival comprising the region's traditional sports of Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery, also known as "the three games of men".

Nearly 11 traditional sports events, a variety of cultural shows and exhibitions were staged during the festival.

The festival held at the college has become a celebration of local sports, costumes and arts, providing great opportunities for students to learn the culture of the ethnic Mongolian group.  

According to the college, the festival is the largest gathering of its kind among schools and colleges in Inner Mongolia.

As such, it has also become a calling card for Inner Mongolia's cultural programs.

College students parade on horseback during the Naadam festival on May 22. [Photo/saibeinews]

Pom poms twirls as cheerleaders give their all during a performance at the festival on May 22. [Photo/saibeinews]