The 2025 WDSF Korea Global Drone Sports Competition, organized by the World Drone Sports Federation (WDSF), opened on August 9 at the Osong Convention Center (OSCO Hall 2) in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and successfully concluded on August 10.

The event, focused on drone basketball and indoor drone racing, brought together more than 250 athletes and around 1,000 visitors from elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as university and general categories. This strong turnout highlighted Korea’s potential to become a leading hub for international drone sports.

A Grand Opening to the International Stage

The opening ceremony, held at 9:30 a.m. on August 9, welcomed distinguished guests, athletes, and visitors from Korea and abroad. Attendees included Chungcheongbuk-do Office of Education Superintendent Yoon Gun-young; Cheongju Mayor Lee Beom-seok; Jincheon-gun County Mayor Song Ki-seop; Chungcheongbuk-do Women's Council Chairperson Lee Yoo-ja; Korea Freedom Federation Chairman Dong Joong-young; Monthly News CEO Choi Young-ki and Secretary-General Seo Il-soo; Korea Drone Innovation Association representatives; Korea Unmanned Air Safety Association Chairman Kim Jong-bok; WUAVF Korea Branch Chairman Dr. Kwon Hee-chun; Honam Journalists Association Chairman Oh Myung-ha; and Korea Council on Policy Development Chairman Yoon Sung-yeol.

In his congratulatory remarks, Superintendent Yoon emphasized that “drones are a key technology linking future industries and education” and highlighted efforts to expand hands-on learning opportunities for students. Mayor Lee reaffirmed Cheongju’s commitment to becoming a leader in both drone industry development and the internationalization of drone sports. County Mayor Song stressed drone sports’ role in fostering creativity and resilience, as well as Jincheon-gun’s dedication to disaster safety management through drones and the cultivation of future industry leaders.

During the ceremony, letters of appreciation were presented to Dr. Park Hyo-sun, Lee Yoo-ja, and Dr. Kwon Hee-chun for their contributions to the event. Dr. Kwon, as head of WUAVF’s Korea branch, has been instrumental in promoting Korean drone sports internationally and strengthening partnerships with global associations.

WDSF Chairman Woo Hyun-ho officially declared the competition open, pledging to “help drone sports grow into a future sport that encompasses education, industry, and international exchange.”

Drone Basketball Draws Global Attention

The headline event, drone basketball, was jointly developed by WDSF, Drone Division, and Skybot. Played in teams of three, each drone is fitted with spherical protective equipment. Matches consist of three two-minute quarters, with a 24-second shot clock. An automatic scoring system ensures both fairness and speed.

Drone basketball has already been showcased in exhibition matches in Vietnam and China, and with the success of this competition, it is poised for global expansion.

Expanding International Networks Through Seminars and MOUs

On the first day, the “Drone Sports Globalization Seminar” was held, led by Chairman Woo, Dr. Park Hyo-sun, and Dr. Kwon. Topics included the need for standardization, policy development, government collaboration, and the establishment of internationally recognized rules and operating manuals. Delegations from Iran, China, Indonesia, and Sudan participated, exploring ways to grow the sport and strengthen international exchanges.

National drone racing team member Kim Min-jae (born 2006) wowed the crowd with precision high-speed flights and engaged fans through autograph sessions. Additionally, the Industry-Academic Council of Daejeon National University signed an MOU with Daejeon Health University, Daejeon National University of Science and Technology, and Baejae University to advance drone talent development and promote the sport.

At the “Snow Road” industrial and technology exhibition, Prowise Energy Co., Ltd. gained attention for unveiling lithium polymer battery fire-prevention technology and battery recycling products. Furthermore, Dr. Mahdi Sahlabadi from Iran was appointed as an overseas ambassador for drone sports, aiming to promote the sport across the Middle East and Asia.

Looking Ahead

The competition was supported by Chungcheongbuk-do, Chungcheongbuk-do Office of Education, Cheongju City, Cheongju University, EL Chihuahua, Tomorrow Company, JS International Family Company, Prowise Energy, Safe Landing, OSCO, Chungbuk Cultural Foundation, and the Korea Drone Innovation Association. It was organized by the World Drone Sports Federation and hosted by Drone Division and Skybot Co., Ltd.

WDSF plans to continue hosting international competitions in Cheongju in 2026 and 2027, with overseas events—including one in China—scheduled for 2026. More details are available on the official website: www.w-dsf.com.

“Drone sports represent a future industry that goes beyond simple games, encompassing education, technology, industry, and international cooperation,” Chairman Woo Woo Hyun-ho said. "We will continue to develop the competition so that Korea can leap to the center of drone sports around the world."

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