The World Games: Yuki Hashimoto awarded Athlete of the Day
Drone Racing pilot Yuki Hashimoto from Japan has been honoured with the Athlete of the Day award on the final day of The World Games in Chengdu, China. Yuki won the gold medal at the Drone Racing competition, which finished on 16 August.
After receiving his award on stage at the Closing Ceremony Yuki Hashimoto said:
"I was surprised when I was told I was to be The World Games Pilot of the Day but very happy. Standing on the stage I was thinking - that's a lot of people! I was proud to be there."
The Athlete of the Day is awarded to two athletes per day at The World Air Games. As well as the honour, each winner receives a watch from Tissot, the timing sponsor.
FAI Secretary General Markus Haggeney said:
"I am certain everyone in the FAI will be thrilled that Yuki Hashimoto has won the Athlete of the Day award from The World Games. It's a testament to him as a drone pilot and to the competition – congratulations Yuki.
"Drone Racing reaches so many young people, and showcasing the sport and our pilots at The World Games opens doors to a new and young fan base. Being recognised like this by The World Games, and especially at the Closing Ceremony, is fantastic."
Yuki received his award on the last day of the competition at the spectacular Closing Ceremony of The World Games, which was held at the Chengdu International Friendship Hall on 17 August 2025. The Closing Ceremony marked the end of the 12 day international multisport competition, an event which attracted more than 4,000 athletes from 110 countries.
Yuki Hashimoto, 18, is the current FAI World Drone Racing Champion and won Gold in Drone Racing at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
He first began drone racing at the age of 13, having been introduced to the sport in a school competition in February 2021.
Photo credit: FAI/Marcus King
