Ever heard of knuckle-bone shooting? This community say it teaches the ‘art of focus’

Key Points

Mongolian knuckle-bone shooting is recognised on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
A sporting association organises weekly games in Sydney and other major Australian cities.
Community members say the sport contributes positively to their mental health.

Since Baatar Jamiyan moved to Melbourne from Mongolia a little over a year ago, there has been one activity that’s helped him stay in touch with his culture.

“I came to Australia to study and missed my homeland deeply. But since I started playing knuckle-bone shooting, I’ve reconnected with my roots and made many new friends,” he told SBS Mongolian.

He likened the team game — in which players use a smooth wooden surface to flick small marble tablets towards a target of ‘knuckle bones’ nearly five metres away — to a form of meditation, noting that even a slight loss of focus can have a detrimental effect.

Mongolian knuckle-bone shooting games can last for several hours and require focus and precision. Credit: N Batbyar/Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

Depending on the number of teams, a full game may last up to 10 hours. Jamiyan said the extended playing time helped relax both the body and mind, especially after a hard week of study.

What is Mongolian knuckle-bone shooting?

Mongolian knuckle-bone shooting, which has been documented as far back as the 12th century, has been recognised by UNESCO on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Genghis Khan (also known as Chinggis Khan), the founder the Mongol Empire, and his grandson, Munkh, were said to use the game to build up soldiers’ hand strength and precision.

Over time, this traditional game evolved into one of the four major sports in Mongolia, alongside horse racing, archery and wrestling.

The sport can be traced back to at least the 12th century. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

Today, it is practised around the world, driven by a growing Mongolian diaspora.

This is the case in Australia, where the 2021 Census counted 5,397 people born in Mongolia.

However, Mongolian Ambassador Davaasuren Damdinsuren recently told SBS News there could be as many as 20,000 Mongolians in Australia, with a large number here on student visas.

‘Fostering community’

Most weekends Gerelt-Od Chimeddavaa can found at Wolli Creek or Olympic Park, Sydney, presiding over games meets typically attended by more than 20 people.

Chimeddavaa is the head of the Australian branch of the Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association, which formed five years ago.

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Gerelt-Od Chimeddavaa describes knuckle-bone shooting as a ‘spiritual’ pursuit. Credit: Gerelt-Od Chimeddavaa

He first moved to Sydney in 2016 and began playing in 2021, quickly becoming captivated.

“Once you get hooked, there’s no turning back,” he said.

He explained that the sport was a common fixture at public events to mark Mongolian national holidays, while weekly meetups were also well attended in major cities.

“Members in Australia come together every weekend to play, fostering community and tradition in cities across the country,” he said.

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The Australian branch of the Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association was established five years ago. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

“The game provides much-needed mental support as they navigate the challenges of adapting to a new culture and managing their (lives) in (a) new country.”

Spirituality and brotherhood

The sport involves several special tools typically crafted from natural materials.

The target bone, known as ‘khasaa’, is about the size of a standard dice and can be made from amber, tusk or horn bone. In modern times, plastic is also used.

The essential equipment, measurements, and distances used in the game. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

The arrow, also called ‘sum’, used for flicking, is made from naturally fallen deer antlers.

The target bones are arranged on a wooden structure called ‘zurkhai’, with an ‘aravch’ board placed behind it to prevent scattering.

Each team consists of six main players and two stand-bys. Players sit on customised chairs, adjusted to their body sizes, and use a wooden fence rail, or ‘khashlaga’, to flick the tablets towards the target.

Mongolians play knuckle-bone shooting while celebrating the Naadam Festival in Sydney. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

Each shot is followed by a song known as ‘uukhai’. Teams use harmonious chanting to motivate their shooters, while opponents make abrupt sounds to distract them, though never using rude words.

Chimeddavaa said the sport taught and the ‘art of focus’ and emphasised the deep attachments many people formed to the game.

To me, this is more than just a game — it’s a spiritual experience. It requires deep focus, reflection, and careful thought. Once you start to feel this connection, it becomes a way of life.

Gerelt-Od Chimeddavaa, head of the Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

The game is traditionally played by men, but there is also a women’s version.

Enkhjargal Adiya, the secretary of the Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association, said the sport was based on intelligence, not physical strength.

“We have over 20 branches worldwide, most located in Europe and other regions. These branches help Mongolian men stay connected to their cultural roots,” he said.

“This is a national sport open to anyone, regardless of age or location. A skilled knuckle-bone shooter stays calm in all situations, both in the game and in life, demonstrating inner strength and wise decision-making.”

Ganhuyag Gongorjav, who has lived in Australia for more than 20 years and now calls Brisbane home, also hailed the sport’s connective powers.

“The tradition brings team members from different backgrounds closer together, encourages their interaction and respect towards elders and one another, and improves their social cohesion and teaches young team members about team play, social wellbeing and mental stability,” he said.

Challenges for new players

While the game attracts interest from foreigners, mastering its intricate rules and techniques takes time.

Jamie Kenmure, an Australian who has visited Mongolia multiple times, shared his experience.

“For me, this game is a unique experience, completely different from anything I usually play. It felt refreshing, with no stress at all,” Kenmure said.

The sport is played by men from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. Credit: Mongolian Knuckle-Bone Shooting Association Australia

Although the game seems simple, it is far from easy. Beginners often struggle to flick the bone even halfway to the target, with it landing at their feet instead.

According to Chimeddavaa, one can only master the sport with consistent practice, proper technique and strong focus.

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