A record-breaking total of 83 teams registered to participate in the Ooredoo Masrace 2023, by the time the deadline rolled around.

Ooredoo Maldives revealed this in a press release issued on Thursday.

As such, announcing the overwhelming success of the registration phase for this year’s edition of their highly anticipated annual fishing competition, Ooredoo revealed that they received an unprecedented response from fishing enthusiasts across the nation.

As such, a total of 83 teams have registered to participate in this year's Masrace.

A total of 34 teams will be competing from the Malé City, with 23 teams set to participate from Kulhudhuffushi City.

Further, 13 teams from Addu City and 13 teams from Fuvahmulah City in the south of Maldives, will be competing this year.

Highlighting that the competition will be “fierce” this year, Ooredoo Maldives revealed that each team will be competing for the championship title in their respective cities.

Ooredoo Masrace 2023 will be observing the remarkable participation of “STELCO Kanbalun”, an all-girls team who have been described as the reigning champions of Ooredoo Masrace.

Ooredoo shed light on their remarkable achievement, which shows the spirit of empowerment and equality in the fishing community.

The telecommunications provider has extended its gratitude to all the teams who registered for Masrace 2023 by the deadline.

The company noted that the overwhelming support received mirrors the excitement and passion that this event has generated within the fishing community.

The registration deadline for the fishing competition was set for July 8.

With promises to make it bigger and more exciting this year, the Ooredoo Masrace is scheduled to kick off in August. The Ooredoo Masrace 2023 is to be hosted across four cities of the Maldives, as part of the 18th Anniversary celebrations.

This year, the Ooredoo Masrace, which has become an integral part of the communities across Maldives every year, promises a prize pool of MVR 160,000.

Ooredoo Maldives announced its partnership with the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture during a press conference held on June 15, when registrations were initially opened.

The event is to kick off in Malé City on August 4 and in Kulhudhuffushi City on August 11.

Further, the Ooredoo Masrace will kick off in Addu City on August 18, followed by Fuvahmulah City on August 25.

Ooredoo Maldives noted that since its introduction, their annual fishing competition has captured the hearts of communities nationwide and brought people together through the joy of fishing.

The telecom provider expressed pride in hosting the event that showcases the rich fishing heritage of the Maldives.

The event also provides a platform for individuals to showcase traditional fishing techniques.

The competition promises a cash prize of MVR 25,000 for the team that wins first place, followed by a MVR 10,000 cash prize to be awarded to the runner up.

The team that comes in third will win a cash prize of MVR 5,000.

Further, Ooredoo Masrace 2023 promises a cash prize of MVR 1,000 to the best fisherman, as well as a MVR 1,000 cash prize for the best fisherwoman.