SHENZHEN (China) - In just her second FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, Khulan Onolbaatar is already a beacon of hope and an icon of Mongolia's warrior spirit. After debuting in 2023, Khulan has helped Mongolia secure two wins in three games at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2025 Division B.
At the end of the group phase, Onolbaatar has averaged 15.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.7 steals and 2.3 three-pointers per game. Note that Mongolia's two victories already surpass the team’s entire win total from the previous tournament, signaling a new chapter for a program eager to climb higher in Asia’s competitive landscape.
Khulan’s journey mirrors the growing momentum of basketball in Mongolia.
"This year has been super special. We've had an amazing run, especially winning in front of the home crowd in Mongolia," she said. "Our fans give us wings. We feel invincible with them, and we always have the goal to achieve something bigger on the world stage for them."
That confidence is rooted in years of hard work and belief. She believes the experience some members of the team have gained on the world stage sharpens their focus.
"Our wins have been the result of years of hard work finally paying off," Khulan explained. "We had almost a week to prepare for this tournament, so we’re anxious but ready to make the most of it."
Khulan is optimistic about upcoming challenges, especially a potential encounter with Division B contenders Chinese Taipei.
"They’re a pretty good team. If we can play against them, I’m excited for that matchup," she said. "I think we can do well."
Beyond the court, Khulan sees her role as part of a larger movement.
"We’ve seen basketball’s growing popularity in Mongolia. More girls want to play, and the people support us internationally," she explained. "Basketball is becoming one of Mongolia’s most popular sports."
Not surprisingly, wearing the Mongolian jersey remains a source of pride and an expression of their warrior spirit.
"I’m grateful every time I’m called up to the national team. That feeling of gratitude never gets old," she said. "It reminds me of the many people supporting us. With their kindness around us, we just want to get better and show that their efforts can lead to something good.”
"We are competitors," she declared. "We are warriors."
Khulan Onolbaatar’s determination and confidence are central to Mongolia’s rise. As the team aims to surpass past achievements, she embodies the spirit of a nation embracing a bright future.
FIBA