KATHMANDU: For the first time in Nepal, an international fishing competition is set to be organized. Under the leadership of Karnali Rafting and Adventure Pvt Ltd, the competition will take place on the Seti-Karnali River, marking a historic event in itself.

According to Devraj Jaishi, founder of Karnali Rafting and Adventure Pvt Ltd, 30 renowned anglers from foreign countries will participate in the event. The competition has been named the “Seti Karnali International Mahseer Angling Challenge Nepal–2026.”

Scheduled to be held from March 22 to April 2 this year, the tournament has already registered 30 foreign participants. Among them, 17 are from the United Kingdom, five from the Netherlands, three from India, two from Malaysia, and one each from Japan, Thailand, and Finland.

The competition will feature three categories: the angler who catches the largest fish using a rod, the angler who catches the highest number of fish, and the angler who catches the most diverse species of fish.

First, second, and third prizes will be awarded in all three categories. The first-place winner in each category will receive a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with a shield shaped like a fish. The second-place winner will receive Rs 25,000 and a shield, while the third-place winner will be awarded Rs 15,000 and a shield.

Devraj Jaishi. Photo: Bikram Rai/Nepal News

Additionally, the first-place winner will receive a 50 percent discount package to visit Nepal the following year. The second-place winner will receive a 25 percent discount, and the third-place winner will receive a 15 percent discount on the package.

The local municipality and the Nepal Tourism Board have supported the event to ensure its success. The total budget for the competition is Rs 6.27 million. All foreign participants will travel to Nepal at their own expense, while the organizing committee will cover all costs within Nepal, including transportation and hotel accommodations.

Jaishi stated that the objective of organizing the international Mahseer angling competition is to send a message to global fishing tourists that Nepal is also an excellent destination for fishing. “Our country has so many rivers. Many foreigners are not aware that fishing is possible in Nepal. Instead, they are more familiar with Pancheshwar in India’s Mahakali region and Bhutan,” Jaishi said.

The local municipality and the Nepal Tourism Board have supported the event to ensure its success. The total budget for the competition is Rs 6.27 million.

He added that many anglers from various countries had expressed interest in participating in the 13-day competition, but the organizers decided to limit participation to manage risks, as it is being held for the first time. “All the participants are well-known names in this field,” he said.

To conduct a reconnaissance of the competition site, the organizing committee invited renowned Scottish fish expert Ian Martin to Nepal. Martin has completed a PhD on Nepali fish species and was invited last October for research. After conducting field studies and submitting a detailed report on where fish are abundant, suitable locations for camps, and areas with reliable internet access, the organizers found it easier to finalize arrangements for the competition.

“Dr Ian Martin was invited to conduct a study from November 12 to 25 last year. Based on his recommendations, we selected the competition site,” Jaishi said.

Preparations for the event will begin on March 16 with the setup of camps at Dipayal–Thuligadh along the Seti–Karnali River. Eight camps will be established there. To promote Nepal’s tourism sector, the organizing committee has also arranged for foreign participants to stay two nights in Kathmandu and one night each in Bardiya and Dipayal at star-rated hotels.