Kazakh students to debut at Drone Soccer World Cup in South Korea
Three Astana schools will represent Kazakhstan at global esports-style tournament in Jeonju, joining 35 nations in fast-rising drone sport
ASTANA, Kazakhstan (MNTV) — For the first time, Kazakhstan will send student teams to the Drone Soccer World Cup, a futuristic competition that blends aviation technology with esports spectacle.
According to The Times of Central Asia, three schools from the capital — Specialized Lyceum No. 82 “Daryn,” School-Lyceum No. 8, and the private school Skillset — have been selected to compete in Jeonju, South Korea, from September 25 to 28.
Drone soccer, a South Korean invention dating to 2016, pits two teams of five against each other inside a netted arena. Players maneuver spherical drones, some as small as 20 centimeters across, with the aim of flying a designated “drone-ball” through the opponent’s gate.
The sport, now governed by the Federation of International Dronesoccer Association (FIDA), has spread rapidly worldwide since its first world championship in 2023.
“Today they pilot drones; tomorrow they’ll design unmanned systems that could reshape aviation in Kazakhstan and beyond,” said Dmitry Ivanov, head of the Kazakhstan Drone Soccer Association, describing the tournament as an investment in the next generation of engineers.
The 2025 World Cup is expected to feature dozens of national delegations, reflecting drone soccer’s expansion to more than 35 countries and its popularity among students in South Korea, where over 1,000 school and university teams are active.
For Kazakhstan, the Jeonju tournament will also mark the beginning of its own drone soccer season. Organizers say school and city leagues will be introduced this year, alongside demonstrations at Astana’s Digital Bridge 2025 technology forum, where the student teams will lead workshops for international guests.
The initiative ties into Kazakhstan’s broader push into drone technologies, with investments targeting agriculture, logistics, and safety engineering. Officials see the sport not only as entertainment but also as a training ground for skills that could shape the country’s high-tech future.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
