The game of badminton originated in Siam, China over 2,000 years ago. It was brought to England in 1870 and was played somewhat like tennis. After being played in Canada, badminton arrived in America and has been popular since 1929. Since 1992, badminton has been an Olympic sport, with bird speeds reaching 100 m.p.h.
The game was played in India during the 18th Century, at which time it was called "Poona" . In the 1860s it was adopted by British Army officers stationed in India. The officers took the game back to England, where it became a success at a party given by the Duke of Beaufort in 1873 at his estate called "Badminton" in Gloucestershire.
A variation of Badminton which has been developed only recently, Speed Badminton or Speedminton, is played without a net, and is gaining popularity, especially in Germany.
The origins of the game of badminton date back at least 2,000 years to the game of “Battledore and Shuttlecock” played in ancient Greece, China, and India.
A very long history for one of the Olympics newest sports! Badminton took its name from Badminton House in Gloucestershire, the ancestral home of the Duke of Beaufort, where the sport was played in the last century. Gloucestershire is now the base for the International Badminton Federation.
Image Description: England people loved badminton
Historical Development of Badminton:
Quick facts on the development of the sport and history of badminton:
Official rules were developed after the game was introduced to the people in England.
The FIRST open badminton tournament was held at Guildford, England in 1898
The FIRST All England Badminton Championships was held the following year.
The FIRST official Badminton World Championships was held in 1977.
Badminton became an Olympic sport in 1992.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) introduced the Badminton Super Series events in 2007 to further promote the sport.
Badminton Today
Today, badminton is considered as the FASTEST RACKET SPORT.
Badminton is played at a very intense level. Badminton players are much more athletic and agile.
The shuttlecocks are travel faster as compared to the olden days.
Strongest Badminton Nations over the Years:
England Produced the Best Player in the History of Badminton. In the early 19th century, Great Britain produced many fine players.
George Thomas was probably the BEST badminton player in the history of badminton!
He has won 21 All-England titles over his career. The largest team championships event today, the Thomas Cup Badminton Team Championships was named after George Thomas.
