16-year-old Thai Waranya Wannapong emerged as the champion in the female category of the 2023 FAI World Drone Racing Championship, held in Namwon, South Korea, which came to a close on Monday.

With her exceptional skills, unwavering determination and remarkable consistency, she has once again proven herself as the female world champion. This marks her third consecutive title win after triumphing in both 2018 and 2019.

She clocked 87.505 seconds flying time, beating her competition from Taiwan and Italy.

Waranya told the media that she was thrilled at winning her third championship, adding that her hands were still shaking when she received the award, including eight million won (218,000 Thai baht). She thanked her father for his continued support.

She won her first FAI World Drone Racing Championship in 2018, when she was just 11. Last year, she ranked 10th in the World Games competition in the United States.

Korean pilot Min Chan Kim, 19, emerged as the overall winner. His exceptional flying abilities and strategic manoeuvers earned him the top spot on the podium.

The thrilling four-day competition brought together 115 of the world’s top drone pilots from 29 countries to compete for the coveted title of world champion.

The event was part of the World Drone Fiesta and demonstrated Korea’s mastery of drones, especially during its impressive opening and closing ceremonies.