Visit Maldives and the Equatorial Fishing Club (EFC) is set to host the Burunu Lite Addu Edition sport fishing tournament on May 28 in Maradhoo, Addu City, marking the first edition of the tournament format to be held in the southern atolls.

The one-day competition, officially titled “Ronda Masrace 1447”, is part of Burunu Boma Global Sport Fishing Tournament series and is expected to bring together resident fishermen, visiting anglers and community participants during the Eid al-Adha holiday period. Organisers stated that 24 teams have registered for the event.

The tournament remains one of the country’s major fishing centres with a large local fishing community. Officials said the event is intended to expand participation in sport fishing activities beyond Malé while supporting tourism diversification efforts in the southern atolls.

According to organisers, Burunu Lite was developed as a regional extension of the Burunu Boma international fishing tournament held in Malé, which attracts anglers from several countries. The Addu edition is also expected to promote marine-based tourism experiences and strengthen awareness of local fishing heritage and blue economy initiatives.

The competition will be conducted under International Game Fish Association standards and will include both catch-and-release practices and regulated fish retention. Organisers stated that retained catch from the event will be sold, with proceeds allocated to charitable causes.

Tournament activities are scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. with vessel assembly and inspection at Maradhoo Harbour, followed by the official start of the competition at 2:00 p.m. Lines are scheduled to close at 9:00 p.m., with the final weigh-in set for 9:30 p.m. before the closing ceremony and prize presentation at 10:30 p.m. The programme will conclude with a community Eid gathering at the harbour area.

Winners will be determined through a points-based system based on fish species, weight and length. Awards will include first, second and third place team prizes, alongside individual recognitions for the heaviest catch, highest catch count, youngest angler and overall angler of the tournament.

The Addu edition will also serve as a lead-up event to the second edition of the Burunu Boma international fishing tournament scheduled to take place from June 13 to 15. Registration for the main tournament remains open until May 31.