The Ooredoo Masrace 2023 wasn't just a fishing tournament; it was a vibrant celebration of extraordinary achievements and a testament to the unwavering passion of the Maldivian fishing community. Held across the nation to commemorate Ooredoo Maldives' 18th Anniversary, this year's tournament exceeded all expectations, making history with record-breaking catches and unforgettable moments.
In a thrilling showdown, Team Reef Riders from Fuvahmulah City emerged victorious with a remarkable score of 1,326.45 points, securing their place in Masrace history. Kulhudhuffushi City wasn't far behind, amassing 1,214.25 points, while Sony Fishing Team from Male' City displayed their skills to clinch the championship with 860 points.
This expansion of the tournament to encompass the entire country drew enthusiastic participants from all corners. Mohamed Umar, the champion of Kulhudhuffushi City, expressed his gratitude, stating, "Securing Ooredoo Masrace 2023 Championship from Kulhudhuffushi City is a great achievement for us. Our hope is that we will be able to participate in The Ooredoo Masrace in the coming years."
Historic Catches: Celebrating Biodiversity and Skill
Ooredoo Masrace 2023 will be remembered for its groundbreaking capture of not just one but several elusive Billfish. Known for their elusive nature and formidable size, Billfish are a prized catch for any angler. This year, Team Bulhi Kendi and Team Latti Kulhudhuffushi City made history by capturing three Billfish collectively. This remarkable feat underscores the rich marine biodiversity of the Maldives and the exceptional skills of the participating teams.
Another historic first in Ooredoo Masrace history was the capture of the Promethean escolar, locally known as Kattelhi. This deep-sea dweller is a rare and challenging catch for fishermen. What made this feat even more extraordinary was that not one but two champion teams managed to reel in this elusive fish. Team Fehurihi from Addu City and Team Reef Raiders from Fuvahmulah City both etched their names in the record books by capturing the elusive Kattelhi. This rare catch highlights the diverse marine life that thrives in the Maldives' pristine waters.
Heaviest Catches: The Art of Angling Excellence
The Heaviest Catch category witnessed jaw-dropping statistics, with anglers reeling in fishes of astonishing sizes, earning them special gift packs from Sea Gear Maldives, complete with high-quality rods, spinning reels, rashguards, and dry tube bags.
·Male' City: Waleed from Team Sonee Fishing pulled in a colossal Giant Trevally weighing an astonishing 17.54 kilograms, showcasing the capital city's potential for astonishing catches.
·Kulhudhuffushi City: Hassan Ali from Team Bulhi Kendi made waves with a remarkable Billfish weighing an astonishing 25.85 kilograms, setting an impressive bar for future tournaments.
·Addu City: Naja from Team Fehurihi landed a remarkable Wahoo (Kurumas) weighing 5.5 kilograms, proving that big catches can be found even in the southernmost city.
·Fuvahmulah City: Abdulla Ibrahim from Team Reef Raiders secured not only the championship title but also the Heaviest Catch title with a Ruby weighing an impressive 8.05 kilograms, underscoring the diversity of fish species in Fuvahmulah's waters.
Outstanding Anglers: The Heroes of the Competition
The tournament also celebrated the Best Fisherman and Best Fisherwoman from each city, recognizing their dedication and skills in reeling in impressive catches.
·Male' City: Naushad from Team Crunchies emerged as the Best Fisherman, demonstrating exceptional skills by landing a total of 17 catches. Fezu from DetuneFishing was recognized as the Best Fisherwoman, adding to the diversity of talents displayed.
·Kulhudhuffushi City: Adam Hilmee from Team Latti claimed the title of Best Fisherman with 16 catches, while Khadheeja Moosa from Team Dhamaa Nagaa showed her prowess as the Best Fisherwoman.
·Addu City: Ibrahim Abdulla from Team Happy Market was crowned the Best Fisherman, contributing significantly to his team with a total of 7 catches. Azlifa Azeez from Team Fehurihi was recognized as the Best Fisherwoman.
·Fuvahmulah City: Abdulla Ibrahim secured the Best Fisherman title with an impressive total of 17 catches, while Safa Adnan from Team Meyre Bol stood out as the Best Fisherwoman, showcasing her angling skills.
The Ooredoo Masrace 2023 wasn't merely a fishing tournament; it was a platform where records were shattered, rare catches were made, and the Maldivian fishing community showcased its exceptional talents. These special statistics and historic "firsts" underscore the magnitude of this event and the passion that drives the participants to explore the depths of the ocean and make their mark in the world of fishing.
As the Maldivian fishing tradition continues to thrive, Ooredoo Masrace promises even more exciting adventures and achievements in the years to come. This annual celebration of fishing culture, camaraderie, and sporting excellence stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Maldives and its cherished maritime heritage.