Paper rockets send Nabeeh, Afrah and Champi to Austria

Winners of the three categories in the first ever “Redbull Paper Wings” in Maldives, Ahmed Nabeeh, Ali Afrah and Yousuf (Chanpi) Nihan has qualified for Redbull Paper Wings world final in Austria.

After beating over 100 competitors, Chanpi won the Aerobatics category. The competitor from Kaashidhoo won with 25 of the total 30 points. The two competitors closest to him got 24 points.

“Didn’t think I could win this. I didn’t prepare at all although it’s a competition. I came with a friend. Thought I’d try my luck.” Chanpi said.

Ahmed Nabeeh won in the Longest Airtime category with 7.88 seconds in the air. He won the category after beating more than 150 competitors.

“I didn’t think I’d win the first place in this category. But I’m proud of it.” Nabeeh, who is studying at MNU, said. “I’ll put my best effort when I’m representing Maldives at the world finals.”

The Distance category was won by Afrah after beating over 170 competitors. His rocket travelled 37.26 meters.

While qualifiers in Maldives took place last Friday and Saturday, the qualifiers for the world finals have been held at over 80 countries. The world finals would be held on 9 May in Salzburg.