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