Batbayar Bold

“Every time I step onto the court, I remember where I came from and how far I've come. It's a powerful feeling and it gives me the motivation to never give up, no matter what. Basketball is more than just a game for me, it's a way of life.”

Born and raised in the vast grasslands of Mongolia, Batbayar spent his childhood herding yaks and dreaming of a different way of life. He fell in love with basketball after seeing it on a TV in a local bar and has been playing ever since. Despite limited resources and lack of proper training, he became one of the best players in Mongolia. He now plays for a team in the US and still can't believe he gets paid to play the game he loves. Batbayar has a contagious energy and always has a huge smile on his face, no matter how tough the game gets. He loves to cook and enjoys sharing traditional Mongolian dishes with his teammates.

How did you learn to play basketball?

I watched games on TV and tried to copy the moves. It wasn't easy, but I practiced every day and eventually got better.

What's your favorite part of playing basketball in the US?

I love the energy of the fans and the competitiveness of the games. Also, I get to meet people from all over the world and learn about their cultures.