Mongolian archer sidelined by tennis elbow receives treatment in Korea and says, "I’ll shoot arrows again"

[Financial News] A Mongolian archer who struggled even to draw his bow because of an elbow injury that threatened his athletic career underwent surgery in Korea and is taking up his bow again.
Nanoori Hospital said Mongolian archer B. Yondon visited the hospital for treatment of an elbow injury, underwent surgery and returned home. He is currently preparing to return to competition.
After years of training and competition, Yondon’s left elbow pain worsened, making it difficult for him to draw and hold the bowstring. When the pain became severe enough to interfere with his daily life, he decided to travel to Korea for specialized treatment.
His relationship with Nanoori Hospital began at a medical event in Mongolia organized by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) this year. After receiving a direct consultation from Nanoori Hospital’s medical staff, Yondon decided to undergo surgery in Korea, trusting the hospital’s experience in treating spinal, joint and sports injuries, as well as its treatment plan.
A detailed examination confirmed chronic lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, along with damage to the elbow tendons. Kim Jung-hyuk, director of Nanoori Hospital’s Joint Center, performed an arthroscopic extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) release, inserting an arthroscope through a small incision to treat the damaged area.
Yondon said, "The pain was so severe that I worried whether I would be able to continue my athletic career. After the surgery, the pain decreased significantly, giving me confidence that I could pick up my bow again. I want to diligently undergo rehabilitation and return to the Naadam Festival stage."
Kim explained, "For athletes, it is important not only to treat pain but also to recover the function and performance they had before the injury. After surgery, Yondon underwent phased sports rehabilitation, including restoring his joint range of motion and strengthening his forearm. We also provided exercise guidelines so that he could continue rehabilitation after returning home."
The case demonstrates Nanoori Hospital’s international medical care system, which links overseas consultations with medical care, surgery and rehabilitation in Korea, as well as follow-up management after patients return home. Nanoori Hospital’s International Medical Center has provided spinal and joint care to about 14,000 foreign patients from around the world, including Russia and CIS countries and Mongolia.
The hospital supports the entire treatment process, from consultations before arrival in Korea through medical care, surgery, hospitalization and interpretation to post-discharge follow-up. In recognition of its ability to attract and manage international patients, it was designated by the Ministry of Justice as an "Outstanding Medical Tourism Attraction Institution" in both 2025 and 2026. 



[email protected] Jung Myung-jin, Medical Correspondent Reporter