Prize winners during the awards ceremony at Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club

The first ever Abu Dhabi Ladies Fishing Championship saw 96 women competing in an event which now looks set to become an annual fixture on the capitals water sports calendar.

The six-strong team led by Mariam Al Hammadi emerged as winners followed by teams led by Mariam Al Hatem as runners up and Reem Ali in third position.

Hosted by Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club, the hub of water sport activity in the capital, the championship was held in conjunction with the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies

Sports Academy (FBMA).

We were very pleased with the response we received to this new event and impressed with the spirit and enthusiasm of all those who took part, said Salem Al Remeithi, General Manager of ADIMSC. The club and FBMA are committed to encouraging more women to experience fishing as a sport, and we hope the championship will grow in popularity in the years ahead.

The event, which attracted a mix of 16 nationalities, was staged with medical sponsorship by Al Salama Hospital and the added support of Fazaa Voluntary Team. The boats gathered at the ADIMSC marina on Saturday morning before moving 50 miles offshore for hook and line and rod fishing.