Shillong, Nov 28: The Bait Fishing Tournament, held on Sunday, saw huge participation of around 207 anglers from all over Meghalaya. The fishing competition was organized by the Toljawa Fishery Co-operative Society Ltd. at Toljawa lake, which is located in Kumali Gaon, Ampati, South West Garo Hills.The 1st prize worth Rs. 1 lakh was won by Stevie T Sangma of Lower Wadanang, Tura, who caught a Grasscarp fish weighing 935gms.

Three consolation prizes were also distributed wherein Rs. 10,000 was given to each of the three participants. The consolation prizes were won by Jonis Ch Marak of Tura who caught a Grasscarp fish weighing 859gms, Sanish S Sangma who caught a Grasscarp fish weighing 765gms, and Niyame M Sangma of Purakasia who caught a Grasscarp fish weighing 650gms.

The anglers had to pay a participation fee of Rs. 1,000.Talking to Hub News, Kamal Koch of Toljawa Fishery Co-operative Society Lt said they want to make the fishing competition biannual affair and also encouraged local anglers to come and fish in the lake.While the anglers can do fishing in the lake by paying Rs. 500 and take home their catch, in case they catch a snakehead fish, they need to release it back to the lake after weighing it.

The organisers also want to promote tourism in the area through the fishing competition, which will help with employment to the locals.

The event was attended by Ramakrishna Chitturi, DC of South West Garo Hills as the chief guest and Winje R G Momin, BDO of Betasing Block, as guest of honour. Chairman of GHADC Rakesh Sangma, MDC Pramod Koch were also present among others.

Mentionably, the event was supported by Hub News.