Left to right: Yang Zhuoyue (ASFC), FAI President Greg Principato and Secretary General Markus Haggeney

FAI President Greg Principato and FAI Secretary General Markus Haggeney were in the field at the Drone Racing at The World Games in China to watch the action, meet pilots and to extend their thanks to organisers and hosts.

As drone pilots competed Principato said: "I think it's incredibly important the FAI is here. This is The World Games and to have an exciting sport like Drone Racing as part of an international event on this kind of world stage, it's really important to all of the FAI."

He added: "It's an honour as President in my first year to come here in person, see the competition, meet some of the pilots and those involved in the sport in China.

"Standing here watching the drone racing I'm in awe, and I'm just wondering how long I would last! Probably about three seconds. There are so many young people here, you can see it is the future of aviation."

Later, Principato presented the medals to The World Games winners of the Drone Racing.

EXCITING JOURNEY

IWGA President José Perurena said he was happy to see Drone Racing in The World Games for the second time.

He said: “On behalf of the International World Games Association, I would like to express our deepest appreciation to the FAI and its President for their continued support in making Drone Racing at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu such a spectacular success.

"The exceptional quality of the venue and the thrilling circuit design have set a new standard for this sport, providing both athletes and fans with an unforgettable experience."

He added: "The presence of the FAI President here in Chengdu is a testament to the strong partnership between our organisations and our shared commitment to showcasing the very best of air sports on the global stage. Together, we are elevating drone racing to new heights, and we look forward to continuing this exciting journey."

HIGH-TECH SPORT

FAI Secretary General Markus Haggeney echoed those sentiments: "From a Federation point of view it's definitely a must, no doubt. The World Games opens doors for exposure, recognition and sometimes even funds for our Members, so being here is important."

He added: "China is leading the way in drone sports, and clearly have the resources, skills and experience, along with many motivated volunteers, they are setting the pace for now.

"When you see the technology involved it's amazing. It's a high-tech sport and very demanding. When you see how the pilots engage you can see it's a serious mental and even physical thing – stress goes up due to adrenaline and intense concentration and in tests their heart rates peak at 150 bpm. I've also never seen so many smiling faces in a competition as here."

DRONES IN SCHOOLS

Also in the field was Yang Zhuoyue from the Aero Sports Federation of China (ASFC) and an FAI Delegate and Jury Member at the competition. He explained that The World Games was a "huge stage" for drone sports in China.

"It's a stage to show what we do and how we do it. In the last few years we have staged three drone racing international championships already. It shows we know how to organise high level drone racing competitions, and that we have a very active population of young people involved."

He added: "The drone industry in China is at a very high level. We think 80% of the world drone market comes from China. Aeromodelling in China has been developed for a very long time, and we push the sports in schools.

"We hold Aeromodelling and drone education events across China, and in the Grand Final we have thousands of students in the one event over a week. We have one in Aeromodelling and one in drones. Plus you have to add their coaches, parents – they are very big! We hold them indoors, outdoors, across different venues. So drone sports in China are in the schools and they are growing."

Drone Racing at The World Games featured 31 pilots from 19 countries competing on a purpose-built track over four days of competition. The World Games is an international multi-sports event that is second only in size to the Olympics. It features non-Olympic sports and is held every four years. This year it was held in Chengdu, China, from 7-17 August 2025.

Photo credit: Top picture - FAI/Marcus King; President Perurena: The World Games