In brief
WDSF Korea says it will stage an international drone-sports competition in Cheongju on August 9–10, 2025. The program centers on two disciplines: Drone Basketball, developed in Korea and played with spherical drones, and indoor racing through obstacle courses. The basketball format uses three-player sides and timed quarters. The federation expects participants from school, university and open divisions, with teams anticipated from Singapore, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and elsewhere. Organizers also plan seminars, demonstrations and networking for educators and industry representatives. WDSF President Woo Hyun-ho described the basketball event as a potential avenue for youth sports, while chairman Jang Seong-wook said drone sports could support STEAM learning. The venue is identified as Osco Hall 2 at the Osong Convention Center.
Key takeaways
- The event is scheduled for August 9–10 in Cheongju, South Korea.
- The competition features Drone Basketball and indoor drone racing.
- Teams are expected from Singapore, Indonesia, Uzbekistan and other countries.
- Seminars, demonstrations and networking are planned alongside the competitions.
Cheongju, Korea, August 9, 2025 -- The World Drone Sports Federation (WDSF) Korea is proud to host the 2025 WDSF Korea Global Drone Sports Competition from August 9 to 10, at the Osco Exhibition Center in Cheongju. This landmark international event will spotlight the emergence of drone sports as a cutting-edge fusion of technology, creativity, and athletic competition — with Korea at the forefront of innovation.
The two official disciplines featured are:
- Drone Basketball – a new sport developed entirely in Korea, combining traditional basketball concepts with aerial drone control. Played in a 3-on-3 format using ball-shaped drones, each match consists of three 2-minute quarters, a 24-second shot clock, and dynamic offensive-defensive transitions. This unique sport is governed by Korea’s proprietary rules and game system, created by drone experts and sports innovators.
- Indoor Drone Racing – a high-speed, precision-based sport where pilots navigate advanced racing drones through complex indoor obstacle courses.
Following the successful rollout of regional and national Drone Basketball tournaments across Korea in 2024, WDSF Korea conducted international demonstration matches in Vietnam (March 2024) and Shenzhen, China (May 2024). These showcases introduced Korea’s drone sports systems to the global community, receiving enthusiastic responses and media coverage.
Now, the 2025 global event is set to welcome participants from all over the world — including students from elementary, middle, high schools, universities, and open-level general participants. Delegations and teams from Singapore, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, and other countries are expected to attend, sharing their passion and competitive spirit in the emerging field of drone sports.
“Drone Basketball is more than a game — it’s a vision for the future of youth sports,” said Woo Hyun-ho, President of the World Drone Sports Federation. “By integrating technology, strategy, and teamwork, we aim to inspire a new generation to dream big, compete globally, and innovate freely.”
Event Highlights:- Opening Ceremony: Saturday, August 9, 09:30–10:00
- Competition Days: Saturday–Sunday, August 9–10, 2025
- Closing Ceremony: Sunday, August 10, 16:00–17:00
- Venue: Osco Hall 2, Osong Convention Center, Cheongju, Korea
The event is supported by the WDSF Chungbuk Promotion Committee, International Cooperation Committee, and the Advisory Committee, reinforcing Korea’s leadership in the global drone sports movement.
In addition to competitions, the event will feature seminars, demonstrations, and networking opportunities for educators, drone manufacturers, and technology developers — opening the door for cross-industry collaboration and education in drone-related fields.
“We believe drone sports can be a new platform for STEAM education,” said Jang Seong-wook, Chairman of WDSF. “It connects science, programming, engineering, and creative design through active participation.”
Korea’s vision is to establish drone sports as a recognized global sport and youth movement — promoting physical and mental skills, international exchange, and digital innovation through safe and exciting competition.
Learn More:- Official Website: www.w-dsf.com (Available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean)
- Competition Rules: Watch here
- Inquiries & Registration: (+82)10-5080-9116
Come to Cheongju and experience the thrilling emergence of drone sports while playing a vital role in shaping a future where technology harmonizes with athleticism. We invite global audiences, aspiring pilots, educators, and media to join us in this exciting new chapter.
Press Distribution:
Email: [email protected]
Contact Info:
Name: WDSF Korea Press Office
Email: Send Email
Organization: WDSF Korea Press Office
Phone: (+82)10-5080-9116
Website: http://www.w-dsf.com
If you detect any issues, problems, or errors in this press release content, kindly contact [email protected] to notify us (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). We will respond and rectify the situation in the next 8 hours.
Questions around this news
What is drone basketball, and how is it played?
Drone basketball combines basketball-style play with aerial drone piloting. The release describes a 3-on-3 game using ball-shaped drones, with three two-minute quarters, a 24-second shot clock, and changes between offense and defense. It says the sport was developed in Korea and uses rules and a game system created for the discipline.
When and where is the 2025 Global Drone Sports Competition?
The competition is scheduled for August 9–10, 2025, at Osco Hall 2, Osong Convention Center, in Cheongju, Korea. The release lists the opening ceremony for August 9 from 09:30 to 10:00 and the closing ceremony for August 10 from 16:00 to 17:00. Seminars, demonstrations, and networking are also planned.
What happens in indoor drone racing?
Indoor drone racing is a form of drone competition in which pilots steer racing drones through a course set up inside a building. Courses can include turns and obstacles that test control, precision, and navigation. The release identifies it as one of the event’s two official disciplines, alongside drone basketball.
How can drone sports connect with STEAM education?
Drone activities can give learners practical ways to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Building or programming a drone, planning a route, and adjusting its flight can involve problem-solving and creative design. Team competitions may also encourage communication and strategy, though the learning experience depends on how an activity is organized.
