Male’, Maldives -19th May 2026 – The Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), in collaboration with the Equatorial Fishing Club (EFC), is set to stage the Burunu Lite Addu Edition (Ronda Masrace 1447), a one-day sport fishing tournament scheduled for 28 May 2026 in Maradhoo, Addu City. This landmark event marks a significant regional expansion of the Burunu Boma Global Sport Fishing Tournament series and introduces its competitive format to the southern atolls for the first time.
Positioned within one of the Maldives’ most established fishing communities, Addu City will serve as the vibrant backdrop for the competition. The tournament is expected to attract a dynamic mix of local fishermen, visiting anglers, and community participants, with 24 teams already confirmed. Taking place during the Eid al-Adha period, the event is anticipated to blend sporting excitement with cultural celebration and communal engagement.
Burunu Lite functions as a strategic extension of the flagship Burunu Boma tournament held in Malé, offering a structured platform that nurtures broader participation while strengthening the Maldives’ positioning in international sport fishing. Beyond competition, the initiative aligns with national objectives to diversify tourism experiences, spotlighting the country’s marine heritage beyond traditional resort offerings.
The event also reinforces eco-conscious practices through adherence to International Game Fish Association (IGFA) standards. Participants will engage in both catch-and-release practices and regulated retention, with proceeds from any retained catch directed towards charitable causes—underscoring the tournament’s commitment to sustainability and community benefit.
The competition will commence at Maradhoo Harbour with vessel inspection at 1:00 pm, followed by the official start at 2:00 pm. Lines will be drawn at 9:00 pm, leading into weigh-in procedures and an evening award ceremony concluding at 10:30 pm. A community-focused Eid gathering will bring the day to a close at the harbour.
Winners will be selected through a points-based system reflecting species, weight, and length, with awards recognizing top teams as well as individual achievements, including heaviest catch, highest catch count, youngest angler, and overall standout participant.
Burunu Lite Addu Edition is designed to further elevate Addu City as an emerging hub for marine tourism while fostering youth engagement and regional participation in sport fishing. It also serves as a precursor to the second edition of the Burunu Boma International Fishing Tournament, scheduled for 13–15 June 2026, with registrations closing on 31 May 2026.
