Badminton is a sport that has been around for centuries, and India is no exception. It is a sport that has been played in India for centuries, and it has been a part of the country’s culture and heritage for many years. The history of badminton in India is one that is full of interesting stories and events.
Early Beginnings
The earliest known reference to badminton in India is from the 16th century, when a British traveller, William Bolts, wrote about a game he saw being played in the court of the Maharaja of Tanjore. The game was similar to modern badminton, with players hitting a shuttlecock back and forth with a racquet. The game was known as “Poona”, which means “shuttlecock” in Hindi.
The popularity of the game grew in India during the 19th century, as it was adopted by the British and was then introduced to the locals. It soon became a popular game among the upper classes, and it was played in many of the country’s royal courts.
The Birth of Organised Badminton
The first organised badminton tournament in India was held in 1877, in Bombay. This tournament was organised by the Bombay Badminton Club, which is the oldest badminton club in the country. It was a doubles tournament, and the first winners were two British players.
The game of badminton continued to grow in popularity in India, and in 1934, the All India Badminton Federation was formed. This organisation was responsible for organising tournaments and other events related to the sport.
The Emergence of Professional Badminton
The first professional badminton tournament in India was held in 1946, in Delhi. This tournament was organised by the Indian Badminton Association (IBA). This was the first time that professional players from all over the country had come together to compete in a badminton tournament.
The IBA also organised the first All India Open Badminton Championship in 1950. This tournament was won by the Indian player, Jai Prakash. He became the first Indian to win a major badminton tournament.
India’s Golden Era of Badminton
The 1970s and 1980s were a golden era for badminton in India. This period saw a number of world-class players emerge, such as Prakash Padukone, Syed Modi, and Prakash’s daughter, Aparna Popat. The success of these players led to a surge in popularity for the sport in India.
Prakash Padukone became the first Indian to win a major international tournament, when he won the All England Open Badminton Championships in 1980. This was a major achievement for Indian badminton, and it was the first time an Indian had won a major international tournament.
The Rise of BWF
In 1984, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) was formed. This organisation was set up to govern the sport of badminton and to promote it around the world. India has since become a major player in the sport, and it has been represented by some of the world’s top players in the BWF tournaments.
The Rise of Saina Nehwal
In the late 2000s, a new star emerged in Indian badminton. Saina Nehwal became the first Indian to win a major international tournament when she won the Indonesian Open in 2009. She went on to become the first Indian to reach the world number one ranking in 2015.
Conclusion
Badminton has a long and proud history in India. It has been played in the country for centuries, and it has been a part of the country’s culture and heritage for many years. The game has seen some major successes in recent years, with India having some of the world’s best players. It is a sport that continues to be popular in India, and its future looks bright.