TORU, Nov 4: AK Riang caught a Chocolate Mahseer weighing 5.2 kgs to win the second Pare River Angling Tournament at Mepsoro here in Papum Pare district on Saturday.
Riang received a cash prize of Rs 40,000 along with a certificate from social worker Taba Rama.
The second prize went to Nyape Ronya. He was awarded a cash prize of Rs 20,000.
Ronya, who caught four Chocolate Mahseer, also won the title for the ‘highest catch” for which he was awarded Rs 5,000.
The ‘quickest catch award’ went to Nangram Gungmu (Ramu) for catching a fish within two minutes from the start of the tournament. The junior engineer at PWD also bagged the third prize of Rs 10,000.
Both Riang and Gungmu donated their prize money to the organizers for their fish conservation work.
While Riang donated 10,000 each to the Arunachal Aquatic and Fisheries Multipurpose Society (AAFMS) and the Arunachal Anglers’ Forum (AAF), the organizers of the event, from his prize money, Gungmu donated his third prize money of Rs 10,000 to the AAFMS.
All the fish were released back into the river safely after their weights and photographs were taken.
Organising chairman Taba Butum while receiving the donation praised both the anglers, and assured to put up a better angling tournament in the next edition.
Earlier, AAF chairman Bengia Tayu spoke on the importance of conserving game fish, especially the Golden Mahseer.
“Angling as a sport can bring employment in the area and generate a decent income for the youths,” Bengia said.
He said the Pare river, which is replete with Golden Mahseer, could attract anglers from across the globe if the area is protected from all other forms of fishing.
A volleyball match was also organized, in which Balijan team lifted the trophy after defeating Quick 6 team.
Former chief minister and local MLA Nabam Tuki, and Sagalee ADC Somcha Lowang, among others, witnessed the volleyball and the angling tournament.
