News - China, Shanghai, Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria

The Bulgarian national team participated at the 1st FAI World Drone Soccer Championship that took place from 15th to 18th November 2025 in Shanghai organized by the World Air Sports Federation (FAI). It was hosted by entities including the Aeronautics, Radio, Orienteering and Model Sports Administrative Center of General Administration of Sport of China, the Aero Sports Federation of China and the Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Sports.

46 teams from 18 countries participated in the competition. The Bulgarian national team consisted of the team manager and player Anton Puliyski, the center defender Stoyan Yordanov, the gate keeper Yuliya Lazarkova and the striker Kristian Petrov. They competed at the F9A-B category (drone balls diameter 20 cm). There was also a Bulgarian referee – Sotir Lazarkov.

The Bulgarian national team was eliminated by a Chinese team that finished second at the tournament. Chinese teams secured first and second place in both competitions (using large and small drone balls), while the Republic of Korea won third place in both categories.

Shanghai is the birthplace of aeromodelling sports in China. Drone soccer is an emerging tech-oriented sport. There is no gender separation, female athletes participate together with males. In China drone soccer is developed as a part of the low-altitude economy. The 1st FAI World Drone Soccer Championship marks Shanghai’s first hosting of the highest-level contest under the World Air Sports Federation after a hiatus of 31 years.