The Origin of Badminton
Badminton traces its roots to ancient games like battledore and shuttlecock, evolving in 19th-century British India into its modern form, with formalized rules by 1877 and Olympic status since 1992. It blends accessibility with high-intensity play, making it suitable for all ages.
With an estimated 709 million fans worldwide, badminton ranks as the third most followed sport after football and basketball, boasting around 220 million regular players, predominantly in Asia. Research suggests it may surge in popularity among younger demographics like Gen Z, driven by its low barriers to entry and health perks.
Dominated by Asian nations like China and Indonesia, with stars like Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei setting records. While thrilling, the sport faces critiques for limited global diversity and occasional scoring debates to enhance excitement.