The 7th AAM Open Angling Competition 2026, organised by the Anglers’ Association Mokokchung (AAM) in collaboration with the Village Council, Aliba, was held on August 8 at Shiyong Dam, Aliba.
The competition was conducted from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., bringing together around 90 anglers for the annual open angling event organised by the association. The event carried a total cash prize of Rs. 1.30 lakh, with the champion receiving Rs. 60,000, first runner-up Rs. 25,000 and second runner-up Rs. 15,000. The fourth and fifth positions carried Rs. 5,000 each, while anglers securing sixth to 15th positions received Rs. 2,000 each. A special gift hamper was also announced for the lady angler, along with a prize for the biggest catch.
Angler No. 147 emerged as the champion, while Imtisunep (Angler No. 59) secured the first prize. Angler No. 139, Bendang, received the First Catch Award, while the second prize went to Angler No. 147.
Addressing the gathering, Toshi Kichu, PRO to the Minister for Rural Development (RD) and State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD), Government of Nagaland, appreciated the Anglers’ Association Mokokchung (AAM) for choosing Shiyong Dam, Aliba, as the venue for the competition, noting that the association could have chosen from among the many ponds and lakes available in and around Mokokchung. As a native of Aliba, he said the event was a privilege for the village and a positive beginning for the area.
He said the location, Satier under Aliba village, has significant potential to benefit the local community, particularly the youth and residents of Satier and nearby areas. He expressed hope that the angling competition would mark the beginning of more such events and activities, with greater coordination between the AAM, the village council and the Shiyong Dam Committee.
Kichu stressed that Shiyong Dam should not be viewed merely as a recreational fishing spot, but as an important resource and lifeline for the residents of Satier and Aliba villagers. He therefore urged the community to preserve the area and maintain its ecological character while promoting activities that are sustainable and environmentally responsible.
He also encouraged the development of eco-friendly tourism and recreational activities around the area, suggesting possibilities such as camping for nature enthusiasts, trekking and trail activities, wildlife photography and birdwatching. Pointing out that the surrounding area is largely forested and includes reserve forest, he said there is scope to explore activities beyond angling and make better use of the area’s natural potential.
Kichu further said such initiatives could help attract travellers and nature enthusiasts while creating opportunities for the local community. He encouraged the anglers and villagers to exchange ideas, work together and build greater unity around initiatives that could contribute to the sustainable development of the area.
Acknowledging the AAM’s experience in organising angling events over the past several years, he expressed hope that the association would continue to work closely with the local village institutions to ensure that such events produce fruitful outcomes for the community.
The closing programme was chaired by the AAM office and featured an opening prayer by the Youth Pastor of Aliba Baptist Church, followed by a welcome note from Lima Kichu, President, AAM. Representatives of the Aliba Village Council and the Shiyong Dam Committee also delivered short speeches.
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The Convenor of the Shiyong Dam Committee, in his brief address, urged the gathering to promote responsible fishing practices and protect the rich aquatic resources of Nagaland’s rivers. He pointed out that the state’s rivers are home to fish species such as the golden and silver mahseer, which are increasingly under threat from destructive fishing practices.
He cautioned against the use of chemicals and electric fishing, stating that such practices not only kill fish but is also destroying fish eggs and affect the wider aquatic ecosystem. He appealed to the anglers to carry the message of responsible fishing to their friends, families and communities, saying that changing harmful fishing practices could help conserve the rivers and, in the future, create possibilities for organised river-fishing competitions.
Reflecting on the competition, he humorously described those who failed to catch a fish as “007 – zero bite, zero fish for seven hours,” but said that despite the lack of a catch, participants could return home with a good feeling because “this is the magic of fishing.”
He also expressed appreciation to the special guest, Toshi Kichu, for donating equipment including life jackets and rafting boats for use by the village council.
Informing anglers about the facility, he said Shiyong Dam remains open for angling every Friday and Saturday at a fee of Rs. 500 per person, under the existing arrangement of the Shiyong Dam Committee.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Aridong, Executive Member, AAM, followed by the closing prayer.
The Chairman of the Aliba Village Council, in his brief address, appreciated the Anglers’ Association Mokokchung (AAM) for organising the competition at Shiyong Dam and welcomed such responsible activities at the location. He said the village council would extend its cooperation and coordinate with the AAM and the Shiyong Dam Committee in promoting activities that are beneficial to the area and its people.
He, however, stressed the importance of responsible use and proper management of the dam and its surrounding environment, saying that participants and visitors would be expected to follow the guidelines laid down by the village authorities and the Shiyong Dam Committee. He expressed hope that with proper coordination and adherence to the prescribed rules, more constructive and sustainable activities could be encouraged at Shiyong Dam in the future.
