Badminton has roughly 200 million players in the world. There are also five times as many lovers of the sport worldwide. Looking at badminton as the game is now, it’s hard to believe that the joke wasn’t always so grand and distinctive.
How did badminton come to be?
How has it grown?
This post examines badminton’s evolution from a backyard sport to a global phenomenon.
The Origins Of Badminton – Everything You Need o Know
Badminton is one sports’ Methuselahs. Even the Greeks enjoyed the sport. Referred to as “Shuttlecock” and “Battledore” back then, they used a paddle-like stick (battledore) to hit a feathered shuttlecock. It was also quite popular in the 18th century, as evidence suggests that it was “Poona” in China and the subcontinent of India. In the 1800s, the game went to English shores called “Poona.”
From a Backyard Sport To a Global Phenomenon
Before the 1800s, badminton was just a hobby, at best. However, its potential to be so much more began to surface in the mid-1800s. It was when the British military had a presence in India. The officers enjoyed the game immensely and slowly transformed “Poona” into what we now know as badminton. In 1873, things took a giant leap forward. The first badminton club was in England. Just four years later, they established the first official badminton tournament. The need for precise regulation became apparent over the years, and ultimately, in 1893, they created the Badminton Association. The game has only continued to flourish since then.
Bursting Onto The International Stage
This game fully came into its own in the 20th century. BWF, or Badminton World Federation, is the governing body of badminton. It was founded in 1934 and has guided this sport in the right direction. BWF’s most incredible creation to date is the annual World Championships. This competition has become the highest level that badminton professionals can compete in today. As badminton grew globally, it earned itself a demonstration sports seat in the 1972 Olympics. It did favorably well, joining the official Olympic sports list 20 years later. This sport has continued to dazzle the world since then.
Final Word
As must be evident by now, the evolution of badminton from a backyard sport to a global phenomenon is quite rich and exciting. From ancient Greece to India and China, then to England, virtually every country boasts badminton following. It has come a long way, and it’s only getting started.
