Abu Dhabi Hosts Grand Finale Of Kingfish Championship With Record Participation
The Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship, a prestigious event under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, wrapped up on Sunday, 21 April. This three-day tournament, a collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club, aimed to celebrate the UAE’s rich maritime heritage by bringing together over 1,500 anglers from more than 360 fishing boats, making it the largest gathering of its kind in the region.
With total financial rewards surpassing AED 1,000,000, the competition saw 166 kingfish brought in for weighing by 135 boats. Hamad Al Kamali clinched the top prize of AED 200,000 with a kingfish weighing 32.69 kg. Following him were Omar Al Buraiki with a prize of AED 150,000 and Mohammed Al Marzooqi who took home AED 100,000 for third place. Prizes were awarded down to the 60th place, highlighting the event's inclusive spirit.
The championship not only showcased the competitive spirit among anglers but also emphasized the importance of preserving Emirati maritime heritage and promoting fishing as a sport. Aref Hamad Al Awani, General Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, lauded the event's success and thanked H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his unwavering support.
Al Awani extended his congratulations to all participants and expressed gratitude towards the sponsors and everyone involved in organizing this monumental event. He underscored the council's commitment to reviving traditional marine sports and encouraging community engagement in such activities.
Majid Ateeq Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Organising Committee, echoed these sentiments by thanking H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his sponsorship and highlighted the significant turnout and competitive spirit displayed by participants from across the globe. He noted that a wide range of kingfish sizes were caught during the tournament, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region's marine life.
Al Muhairi concluded by expressing his appreciation for all contributors to the championship's success and promised more events aimed at fostering a love for marine fishing within the community. This inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Kingfish Championship has set a high standard for future tournaments and has significantly contributed to promoting marine sports and heritage in the UAE.
With inputs from WAM
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