7th Nagaland State Angling Competition concludes

The 7th Nagaland State Angling Competition 2025 concluded on Saturday with the prize distribution ceremony held at Lavi Lake, Ihezhe Farm, near Hokhezhe Village, Niuland district.
The completion was organized by the Anglers Association of Nagaland (AAN), in collaboration with department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, government of Nagaland.
The event drew enthusiastic participation of around 300 anglers and fishing enthusiasts from across the state and neighboring states, including Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and West Bengal.
Addressing the gathering as the special guest at the prize distribution ceremony, Principal Secretary, Law & Justice, and Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Y. Kikheto Sema, underscored the immense natural wealth of Nagaland, describing it as a land endowed with exceptional biodiversity, including rich flora and fauna.
He added that Nagaland has 1,432 water bodies, which includes 688 natural and 744 man-made, which significantly enhances the state’s potential for angling and related activities he said.
He pointed that the Nagaland State Angling Competition, first organised in 2017, has steadily grown in popularity and should continue to serve as a platform for anglers from all over Northeast India to unite, share techniques, and build camaraderie, and thereby called for such competitions to be organized, not just at the state level, but also in every district, which he said would promote healthy competition, community engagement, and eco-tourism.
The special guest also announced plans were underway to organise a “benefitting angling festival” in the state, adding that this would be an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to explore the recreational, social, and economic benefits of angling.
Highlighting the importance of Angling as a sport, Kikheto elaborated on its wide-ranging benefits.
He maintained that Angling was more than just a hobby, adding that it is an activity that improves one’s mental well-being, strengthens body, increases vitamin D intake, connects us with nature, and fosters social interaction.
He also added that angling contributes to local tourism economy by drawing tourists, encouraging sale of fishing gear, and creating opportunities for hospitality and transport services.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Assistant General Secretary, AAN, Mon B. Gurung, invocation offered by Secretary, Mission & Evangelism, WSBAC, Rev. Tovishe Sema, and introduction and felicitations of guest by president, AAN, Mhonbemo Ngullie.
Short message was also delivered by director, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, special song by Narola Jati, while prize distribution was initiated by chairman, WM, AAN, Ricky Ozukum, and vote of thanks by General Secretary, AAN, Akai Awomi.
It may be noted that the winning catch of the competition was bagged by Sujit, who landed a fish weighing 1.865 kg.
The runners-up position went to Binoy with a 1.150 kg catch, while Akumba secured the second runners-up spot with a fish weighing 1.105 kg, walking away with a cash prize of Rs 1,50,000, Rs 80,000, and Rs, 50,000, respectively, while fourth and fifth winner won Rs 25,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively, and 6th to 20th bagging Rs 5000 each.