Aucklander Durga Reddy is one of four locals picked to represent New Zealand in a world fishing tournament in Spain later this month.
Reddy, better known as “Guruji”, is an accomplished game fisher and has been aptly recognised by the local chapter of World Sports Fishing Federation (WSFF). He is one of the four local game fishermen, belonging to the Parnell-based Chapter who have been selected to represent the country in Spain.
He, together with other three representatives, has been invited by the World Sports Fishing Federation to attend the 5th World Sport Fishing Tournament in Marbella, Spain. Marbella is South of Spain’s capital Madrid, on the coast of Mediterranean Sea, near Gibralta. It a famous tourist and game-fishing destination in Spain.
Through this tournament, the WSFF encourages the exchange of fishing culture, methods and skills and promote the building of friendships and international connections in sports fishing in order to strengthen co-operation beyond boundaries of race, religion and culture towards a Culture of Peace.
Competitors will be accommodated in the Hotel San Cristobal Marbella, Marbella, Spain with competition and hotel expenses paid by the organisers. Competition will be held of Saturday, October 27, and Sunday 28 in El placer de las Bóvedas, El Banco (Marbella), Spain, with registration on Friday 26th.
There are about 144 fishermen taking part in 36 boats, and there would be three rounds and the competition will develop according to a process of elimination. The winner of each round will go through to the next round. The three best results will receive a cash prize and a Trophy with prizes also for the heaviest catch and the best national team.
Prizes are: First: US$20,000 and trophy, second: US$5000 and trophy, third: US$2000 and trophy. Medal and sponsored prizes will be given for heaviest catch and to the best national team.
Reddy is overjoyed with his choice. “I hail from Fiji which is surrounded by sea, same as Auckland. My passion for fishing was given additional boost through the Parnell Chapter of World Sports Fishing Federation with opportunities, facilities, and of course, comradeship so important in our sports. I am proud to be, perhaps one of the first Fijians in New Zealand to represent this country,” he said full of joy, looking forward to his trip.
The team of four fly out on October 22 from Auckland to Los Angeles and then to Madrid, full of hope and with their fishing rods and other gear to represent New Zealand in this fifth international tournament in Spain.
“I am honoured to be selected, and this coming so soon after being made an Ambassador of Peace is double reward. This fits in well with this trip, because apart from sports, this event also promotes a Culture of Peace that goes beyond boundaries of race, religion and culture,” Reddy said.