World Drone Sports Federation Expands Drone Basketball Cooperation in China with Training, System Deployment and Equipment Exports
WDSF conducts instructor and referee certification program in Hangzhou, validates Korea-developed competition systems, and prepares for future international events
HANGZHOU, CHINA — August 28, 2026 — The World Drone Sports Federation (WDSF) has expanded its cooperation with China in the field of Drone Basketball by conducting a professional instructor and referee certification program in Hangzhou and deploying Korea-developed competition systems and equipment in a live training environment.
From August 25 to 28, WDSF conducted the “Drone Basketball Instructor and Referee Certification Training Program” at the dedicated drone sports training center of Shantai Aviation Technology (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd., a Hangzhou-based company active in the low-altitude economy, drone education, and aviation technology sectors.
The program was carried out as a follow-up initiative to the Korea-China drone sports cooperation agreement between WDSF and Shantai Aviation Technology. The partnership aims to develop professional personnel, establish structured education programs, introduce standardized competition systems, expand Drone Basketball in China, and build a foundation for future international competitions.
WDSF President Woo Hyun-ho, Chairman Woo In-ho, and Competition Director Jung Han-young participated as instructors.
The training combined theoretical instruction with practical field exercises and covered Drone Basketball rules, match operations, instructor and referee responsibilities, goal decisions, situational refereeing, and the use of WDSF’s competition management system.
A key part of the program was the on-site installation and operation of WDSF’s independently developed Drone Basketball competition system and goal system.
The systems were deployed directly at the Hangzhou training venue and used during actual training sessions and matches. WDSF also connected the local competition system in China to its server infrastructure in Korea to verify data transmission, connectivity, and operational performance in an international environment.
This test was intended to confirm whether the Korea-developed competition platform could be reliably operated outside Korea and applied to future overseas training programs and competitions.
Participants who successfully completed the program and passed the final evaluation were awarded WDSF Level 2 Drone Basketball Instructor and Level 2 Drone Basketball Referee certificates. These qualifications are private certifications registered in Korea by the World Drone Sports Federation.
The project also included the export of Korean Drone Basketball equipment to China.
WDSF supplied Drone Basketball drones, batteries, and goal systems required for training and competition operations, allowing the local partner to continue education and match activities after the completion of the certification program.
As a result, the Hangzhou project represents more than a training initiative. It demonstrates the overseas application of an integrated Korean drone sports model combining education, professional certification, competition management technology, and sports equipment.
Shantai Aviation prepared the training facilities and practical education environment for the program and plans to work with WDSF to further develop a professional Drone Basketball education system in China.
The two organizations also intend to explore the establishment of a curriculum aligned with China’s education administration framework and to pursue appropriate institutional registration and recognition through relevant Chinese authorities, including the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China.
“This program is significant because our Korea-China cooperation has moved beyond an agreement and into actual implementation through professional training, competition system deployment, and equipment exports,” said Woo Hyun-ho, President of the World Drone Sports Federation.
“We were able to apply the Drone Basketball education and competition management system developed in Korea directly in China and confirm connectivity with our Korean server infrastructure,” Woo added.
“Our next objective is to continue developing instructors and referees in China and expand cooperation into youth drone education, Korea-China exchange competitions, and international tournaments. We aim to establish a sustainable international model in which drone sports education, technology, and industry can grow together.”
WDSF plans to continue expanding its international network by integrating instructor and referee education, competition system deployment, equipment distribution, and international event operations through China and other overseas markets.
A Drone Basketball competition is currently planned for Hangzhou in January 2027.
WDSF is also preparing a series of domestic and international competitions during the second half of 2026 and throughout 2027. The two organizations plan to promote exchanges between athletes and teams as part of their broader international cooperation program.
More information about upcoming competitions and WDSF activities is available at:
World Drone Sports Federation