Mongolian Outfits for the 2026 Olympics Set Social Media Ablaze

Team Mongolia's 2026 Olympic uniforms are going viral for all the right reasons. 

The 2026 edition draws inspiration from attire of the Great Mongol Empire of the 13th–15th centuries, according to a social media post from GOYOL and the Mongolian National Olympic Committee. The outfits feature structured silhouettes, high collars, and tailored cuts designed for movement in cold conditions. They are made using Mongolian cashmere with silk details and traditional motifs that reference nomadic heritage and national identity. 

Designers behind the collection have said the intention was to bring ancient Mongolian clothing into a modern global moment, not by simplifying it, but by presenting it with confidence as athletes walk into the Winter Olympic Games (February 06–22, 2026). 

It has sparked attention because it feels less like sportswear and more like a statement about history, craftsmanship, and pride. 

And talking about the Milan-Cortina Games, ICE are in Italy too! 

[According to RT, they are assigned to provide security for the US delegation]. 

On February 04, Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi had assured that the agents from the divisive US immigration enforcement agency will have no operational role in the Winter Olympics.  

Donald Trump’s 75-country US Visa Suspension Challenged

A group of United States citizens and immigrant rights bodies have launched a lawsuit seeking to challenge the sweeping suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries by the administration of President Donald Trump.

The lawsuit, filed on Monday, argues that the Trump administration has relied on a false narrative to justify the visa processing suspension, one of the most substantial restrictions on legal immigration in the country’s history. 

The lawsuit charges that the policy “constitutes an unlawful nationality-based ban on legal immigration and a new set of discriminatory, unlawful public charge rules that strips families and working people of the process guaranteed by law”, according to a case overview by the National Immigration Law Center, which are among the groups supporting the legal challenge. 

The sprawling 106-page complaint further alleges that the administration relies “on an unsupported and demonstrably false claim that nationals of the covered countries migrate to the United States to improperly rely on cash welfare and are likely to become ‘public charges'”. 

The State Department has described the action, announced in mid-January, as a “pause” on immigrant visa processing on “countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates”. 

The department have not revealed the criteria it used to determine which countries were added to the list, which comes amid a wider effort to constrict legal immigration pathways into the US and to deport undocumented citizens from the country. 

According to a January 14 state department cable obtained by the Guardian, the sweeping list cuts across every major region of the world, spanning countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and eastern Europe. 

Amongst the affected countries include Albania, Algeria, Antigua and Barbuda, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Chad, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Russia, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Syria, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Yemen.

Please, Who Killed Altantuya Shaariibuu?

Two decades, one question – who ordered her killing? 

Two decades after the brutal murder of his daughter, Mongolian national Setev Shaariibuu is still seeking a single, unanswered question: who ordered the two former police officers to kill Altantuya in 2006?

[FYI, Altantuya Shaariibuu, the 28-year-old Mongolian translator and model was murdered in Malaysia in October 2006, her body destroyed with military-grade explosives in Puncak Alam on the outskirts of Shah Alam, Selangor. Convicted in 2015 for the murder were former police officers, Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, who were part of then-Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak’s security detail. 

Her execution was linked to allegations of blackmail regarding a 2002 Malaysian submarine purchase, in which Altantuya was reportedly involved in procuring payment. The case drew intense scrutiny due to the involvement of Najib’s bodyguards, though he has consistently denied knowing or meeting Altantuya. 

Azilah and Sirul were convicted of the murder in 2009. Their convictions were overturned by the Court of Appeal in 2013, but restored by the Federal Court. Both were sentenced to death. Sirul fled to Australia before the final verdict was announced, where he was detained, and extradition was complicated due to laws against the death penalty. As of 2024, the death sentences of the convicted were commuted to prison terms].  

Setev hopes that one day, the answer will come directly from one of those convicted - Azilah Hadri, who is serving a life sentence. 

Reiterating his desire for a “sincere apology”, Setev stressed that his pursuit of the case has never been about financial gain. 

“I am just a person who has been looking for justice for the past 20 years. I am only looking for a sincere apology, one word. I am holding on to the hope that one day, after 20 years, I will hear an apology for admitting the unlawful wrongdoing”, he said. 

Setev made the statement after Malaysia's Court of Appeal fully discharged the government from liability over Altantuya’s death on January 20, 2026. [The panel of three judges, led by Chief Judge of Malaya Hashim Hamzah also reduced the initial court-ordered damages from RM5 million to RM1.4 million payable to the deceased’s family].

Jolly Campus and More Photos from Mongolia

Still on Mongolia! We had spent 3 days at the AOE's Jolly Campus in Erdene in Töv Province, which is 88km from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: 

This is an impressive English language education center that offers a broad portfolio of programs, including for younger learners (Jolly Kids) and older students (Jolly Tweens, Jolly Teens, IELTS7UP).

And their November program is interesting:

I didn't realize until now that there are still many more pics lodged in my Oppo photo gallery. Especially snapshots taken during our visits to the Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex, Turtle Rock, or Melkhii Khad in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, and other places. 

So, here's the very last installment of pics that I'm sharing:

Interview with Dr Ganchimeg Zagdaa

Ahmad Fakhri and Victor Ong, the authors of "The Diamond in Your Speech" (2022) and "The Pearls of Your Speech" (2025) had travelled to Mongolia with the intention of meeting up with Dr Ganchimeg Zagdaa (right). They wanted to interview her as part of their research for an upcoming third book (tentatively titled "The Rubycon in Your Speaking Journey).

FYI, this power woman is the President of Toastmasters Mongolia National Organization, World Speech Day Ambassador of Mongolia and Founder of the Academy of English in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 

In case you're wondering, these are the criteria the two writers are looking for insofar as identifying the credible public speakers whom they wish to feature in the said book: 

1. Extensive Experience ‒ Possesses 15–20+ years of consistent experience in public speaking across diverse platforms (corporate, community, international), demonstrating both versatility and longevity. 

2. Thought Leadership ‒ Recognised as an author, trainer, mentor, and coach with published works, structured training programs, and a proven track record in developing other speakers. 

3. Community Impact ‒ Has established or led impactful public speaking initiatives (e.g., Toastmasters and World Speech Day), or projects/campaigns that have nurtured a speaking culture within local communities. 

4. Reputation for Integrity ‒  Widely respected within the public speaking and training ecosystem as a genuine, ethical, and approachable go-to person, known for uplifting others without ego.

5. Culture of Contribution ‒ Actively gives back through pro bono mentoring, public sharing, or educational outreach, reflecting a deep commitment to the lifelong learning of others. 

6. Non-Commercial Legacy ‒ Has earned significant recognition, awards, or titles, yet remains purpose-driven, valuing influence and impact over profit or fame. 

7. Consistent Growth & Relevance ‒ Continuously refines their craft by staying current with speaking trends, technologies (like virtual/hybrid speaking), and evolving audience needs. 

And that opportunity came on October 15 when the Malaysian duo were at the Jolly Campus in Erdene, about 88km from Ulaanbaatar. 

She already knew their questions. And her responses, sure and steady came fast and furious. As they listened and made notes, they knew she fits the bill. 

She's No. 2 on their list after Singapore's Dr Ernest Chen. (Note: His interview was on October 06).

In fact, both these public speakers have clearly met all seven of the stated criteria. They are truly public speaking luminaries in every sense of the word.

After 3 hours, Ahmad and Victor got to know Ganchimeg Zagdaa. And you bet, they are eager to tell her story.

Би Монголдоо хайртай (Bi Mongoldoo khairtai)

I have a confession to make. I'm in love with Mongolia! Truth be told, I'm already missing this beautiful country! 

There, for eight-and-a-half-days, we were on an adventure, learning the country and its people, and experienced the vast, untouched landscapes that were gently caressed by wind and tenderly kissed by snow and in between, the sun mustered sufficient courage to peer through on occasion. And the crisp air was neatly tucked into the firmament, beneath thin streaks of wispy clouds as they trailed across azure skies. All of which left me with a delightful sense of wonderment.

But what most touched us was the kindness, the generosity, and the warmth of our hosts and new-found friends. The hospitality they showered on us was affecting, beautiful and heart-warming.  Very special thanks to Dr Ganchimeg Zagdaa, her hubby and her amazing AOE team as well as to Undarmaa Gansukh and her bubbly Darkhan Toastmasters.

"Би Монгол улсыг хайрладаг" (Bi Mongol ulsig khairladag). 

A collection of random photos of Mongolia, as seen through my eyes: