Proposals were made to replace the previous anthem, "Tooruktug taiga", which was considered outdated with lyrics that seemed too meek and unpatriotic. A competition led by Deputy Chairman of the Government of Tuva, Anatoly Damba-Khuurak, in creating a new anthem began. Famous musicians, musicologists, scientists, historians and writers of the Tuva Republic entered the competition, and a total of 19 works were submitted for consideration.[8]
The anthem "Men – tyva men", which was composed 11 years prior and had been considered an unofficial anthem then, was selected to serve as the republic's new anthem; however, some authorities and musicians suggested against the idea. According to Albert Kuvezin, leader of the group "Yat-Kha", he decided that "Men – tyva men" should not become the anthem of the Tuva Republic because "it must suit everyone, reflect all sides" and that Tuva is a "multinational republic after all." Nevertheless, "Men – tyva men" was chosen to be the anthem of the Republic of Tuva.[8]
On 11 August 2011, the head of the Republic of Tuva, Sholban Kara-ool, signed Appendix No. 2 to the Constitutional Law of the Republic of Tuva No. 828 VX-I "On the National Anthem of the Republic of Tuva", which officially adopted "Men - tyva men" as the anthem. According to reviews from prominent members and public experts, "Men – tyva men" resonates well with Tuvans, as the lyrics evoke a sense of unity and spiritual uplift. After the official publication in the newspaper Tuvinskaya Pravda No. 85 on 13 August 2011, the song "Men – tyva men" was recognized as the state anthem of the Republic of Tuva. The author of the lyrics was not indicated in the official publication.[8][9]