With just days remaining before the start of Burunu Lite Addu Edition (Ronda Masrace 1447), excitement is building across Addu City as 24 teams prepare to take part in the one-day sport fishing tournament on 28 May 2026 in Maradhoo.

Organised by Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) in partnership with the Equatorial Fishing Club (EFC), the competition marks the first regional edition of the BurunuBoma fishing tournament series to be held in the southern atolls, expanding the initiative beyond its professional international format and bringing the experience directly into island communities.

The tournament will feature teams from across Addu and beyond, including KGF, Rahaa, Vadhu Keyolhu, Southern Anglers, Team Raskuri, Dark Salt (AVSEC), Club WAMCO, Team MTCC, Marlin, Irushadhiyya School, Team MHC, AFC Anglers, Pro Fishing Maldives, Club AEH, Team Muraka, Fuel Supplies Maldives Pvt Ltd, Runway 10, Customs Recreation Club (CRC), Mylo City Sports Club, Concorde-2, Team Femina, Club Immigration, Kashikola, and NCPLE.

Trophies and cash prizes of MVR 35,000 for first place, MVR 15,000 for second place, and MVR 5000 for third place will be awarded, alongside individual recognition for standout best performing angler with the highest number of catches, awarded with a cash reward of MVR 2000 and trophy at the award ceremony. 

Burunu Lite has been developed as a regional expansion of BurunuBoma, the Maldives’ flagship international sport fishing tournament. While BurunuBoma continues as the professional core competition attracting experienced anglers and international participation, Burunu Lite is designed to bring the spirit of the event into the atolls, creating opportunities for local tourism, community participation, and regional economic activity.

The initiative also aims to support local guesthouses, small businesses, and island communities by increasing visitor movement during the event period, while showcasing authentic Maldivian fishing traditions and culture through a community-centred format. Although the first edition is being hosted in Addu City, the concept is planned to expand to other regions of the Maldives in future editions.

The competition will follow international IGFA standards and incorporate both catch-and-release practices and regulated retention. Retained catch from the event will be sold, with proceeds directed towards charitable causes.

Alongside the regional tournament, Visit Maldives has also announced that registration is now open for the next edition of the BurunuBoma Global Sport Fishing Tournament, which will take place during the third quarter of the year.

Through initiatives such as Burunu Lite and BurunuBoma, Visit Maldives continues to strengthen the Maldives’ positioning as a destination for marine tourism, sport fishing, and authentic ocean-based experiences, while supporting greater regional participation in tourism and event-based activities.