DPlay 17 Jul 2025 A Brief History of Badminton: From Ancient Game to Global Sport
Badminton is one of the world’s most popular racquet sports today — known for its fast-paced rallies, agility, and precision. But did you know that badminton’s history stretches back over 2,000 years, with roots in ancient civilizations and colonial India? Let’s take a fascinating journey through the history of badminton and how it became the beloved sport we know today.
? The Ancient Origins
Games similar to badminton have existed for centuries:
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In ancient Greece, China, and India, a game called battledore and shuttlecock involved players using paddles to keep a shuttlecock in the air without letting it fall.
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These early games weren’t competitive but were played for recreation and as a test of agility.
? Birth of Modern Badminton in India
Interestingly, the modern form of badminton took shape in India during the British colonial period:
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In the mid-19th century, British army officers stationed in Pune (then Poona) adapted a version of battledore and shuttlecock by adding a net and competitive rules.
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The game was nicknamed "Poona" and was played at British officers' clubs and military cantonments.
When the officers returned to England, they introduced the game to their homeland, where it quickly gained popularity.
? The Name ‘Badminton’ and Its Official Debut
The sport officially got its name from Badminton House, the Duke of Beaufort’s estate in Gloucestershire, England:
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In 1873, a game of "Poona" was played at a social gathering at Badminton House.
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The name "Badminton" stuck, and the first official rules were formulated in 1877 by the Bath Badminton Club.
The Badminton Association of England was formed in 1893, which held the first All England Open Badminton Championships in 1899 — one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments even today.
? Badminton’s Global Rise
The sport gradually spread across Europe, Asia, and North America. In 1934, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) — now called the Badminton World Federation (BWF) — was established with founding members from England, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Badminton made its Olympic debut in 1992 at the Barcelona Games and has since become one of the most-watched and followed Olympic sports, especially in Asian countries.
? India’s Role in Badminton History
India has played a significant role in badminton’s story:
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The game’s modern format was born in Pune.
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In recent decades, Indian shuttlers like Prakash Padukone, Pullela Gopichand, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Kidambi Srikanth, and Lakshya Sen have achieved international acclaim.
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PV Sindhu became the first Indian woman to win a silver medal in badminton at the Olympics (2016 Rio Games) and followed it up with a bronze in Tokyo 2020.
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The rise of training academies like Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy has turned India into a badminton powerhouse.