Singapore proudly celebrated the groundbreaking success of the inaugural Drone Basketball Championship in Southeast Asia, held at Temasek Polytechnic from January 9 to January 11, 2025. This remarkable event represented a pivotal moment at the intersection of sports and technology. Organized by the World UAV Federation Singapore in collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic and supported by Pegasus Aviation Consulting and the Korea Cognitive Science Industry Association, the championship captivated both participants and the audience alike, generating immense excitement.

At the forefront of this initiative is Mr. Woo, the President of the Daejeon branch of the Korea Unmanned Safety Association and an adjunct professor at Daedok University. His invaluable contributions have been instrumental in the launch of this groundbreaking sport, as he shares his extensive knowledge, skills, and the regulations that define this exhilarating new game. A true enthusiast of drone basketball, he is leading the charge in establishing this exciting sport in the region.

The event showcased three days of exciting drone basketball, with qualification rounds on January 9 and 10 and a grand finale on January 11. Teams of skilled pilots maneuvered custom drones through aerial obstacles to score points in a basketball-style game, highlighting their control, agility, and teamwork. This blend of traditional sports and technology provided an exhilarating experience for spectators.

After two intense days of qualifications, the competition culminated in a thrilling finale, where the following teams emerged victorious:

• 1st Place: Faithful 5

Team Members: Samantha Rosangel, Hannah Edwin, Hadassah Edwin, and Manovah‍

• 2nd Place: Airballers

Team Members: Ariffin Faharis, Joshua Dylan Chan Hou Ren, Syakir Bin Akbar Ali, and Ngan Jun Bin‍

• 3rd Place: Oreo Ballers

Team Members: Anish Akshay, Kaarthigesh S/o Savoger Rajah, and Xandren Leow Xian Ming

The event captivated attendees as teams showcased their exceptional drone-handling skills, executing impressive aerial maneuvers, precise passing, and accurate shooting to rack up points. This innovative drone basketball format not only highlighted piloting proficiency but also emphasized strategic thinking and teamwork during crucial moments. 

The tremendous success of this inaugural championship has drawn considerable public interest, underscoring the surging popularity of drone sports in the region. It revealed the potential for drone technology to transform traditional athletic competitions and open doors to new avenues of entertainment. 

The Drone Basketball Championship at Temasek Polytechnic marks the dawn of an exhilarating new era in sports innovation, with organizers eagerly looking ahead to future events. As interest in drone sports continues to grow, they aim to ignite a passion for this thrilling field among aspiring enthusiasts and athletes, unveiling a world of limitless opportunities.

The World UAV Federation Singapore, in collaboration with Temasek Polytechnic, is dedicated to expanding the drone sports community through an array of upcoming events and competitions. The resounding success of this event demonstrates that drone technology has the potential to revolutionize traditional sports, heralding the beginning of its competitive integration into the athletic landscape.

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