Wokha, January 8 (MExN): The District Anglers Wokha Nagaland (DAWN) organised the 2nd DAWN Open Angling Competition cum Dugout Canoe Race in Eco-yan Doyang, Wokha on December 17 and 18, 2021.
The event was organised with the objectives to promote angling tourism and water sport tourism in the district and the state and also to sensitize the fishing community and the anglers about several areas of concerns by organising workshop.
On the first day, the general body meeting of DAWN was held in the morning followed by the Dugout Canoe Race. Orenthung Lotha, NCS Deputy Commissioner, Wokha graced the event as the honoured guest and flagged of the race.
The Dugout Canoe Race was organised mainly for the fishing community of Doyang Reservoir to give them a platform to enjoy recreation apart from their hectic fishing activities and to promote water sport in Doyang. A total prize of 1 lakh was given away where the champion Longichan Kikon went home richer by Rs 25,000, the runners up third and fourth position received Rs 15,000, Rs 10,000 and Rs 5000 respectively. All together 19 fisherman participated in the race who were all given away a fishing rods, reels and gift hampers.
In the evening session, a workshop was conducted with several resources persons from abroad, India and Nagaland sensitized and interacted with the participants.
Steve Locket, Executive Director International Masheer Trust gave a video presentation on the endangered Mahseer Conservation. Derek Dsouza India's representative to International Games Fishing Association (IGFA) and vice President (Environment) All India Games Fishing Association (AIGFA) gave a life demonstration on the use of lure fishing and interacted with the audience answering several questions.
Wati Jamir, Advisor AAN and Chairman of Selectors Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) encouraged the Angling community to explore river fishing. Dr Janbemo Humtsoe Educator and Climate Reality Leader spoke on creating a sustainable economy, Jonjibemo Odyou, Nodal Officer DDMA Wokha gave a life demo on water rescue and safety and spoke on basic emergency water rescue and safety measures, Assistant Conservator of Forest, Wokha spoke on the importance of wetlands on water bodies. Officer from the department of Fisheries & Aquatic resources spoke about the responsible fishing and practices.
The 2nd DAWN Open Angling Competition witnessed participation of 133 Anglers from several parts of the country and Nagaland. The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Mhathung Yanthan, MLA & Advisor Horticulture and Border Affairs, Nagaland as the special guest. The MLA & Advisor appreciated DAWN for organising such an event in Doyang, the biggest water body in the state and promoting tourism in the state. He also donated 1 lakh to the organisers.
Sychio Lotha was adjudged the champion with a total weight of 4,22 kg and walked away with 1 lakh, the runners up, third, fourth and the fifth position received a cash prize of Rs 50 000, Rs 20,000, Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively. A total of 17 anglers received Angling gears and tackles apart from the first Mahseer Catch and release, first catch of the Day, Most discipline Angler and the youngest Angler.
The event culminated with camp fire barbeque and karaoke and music by the guest band, DE BAND. The two-day events witnessed around one thousand tourist inflows, it added.
DAWN said that altogether 17 private firms and Angling tackles firms sponsored the two-day event. Derek Dsouza of Pelagic Tribe was the main sponsor. Supenthung Ezung, DAWN Executive Member also donated his painting which was presented to the Honoured Guest and the special guest.
