History of Badminton: When Was the Game Started?

Badminton is a beloved racket sport that has been around for centuries. It is a popular pastime for many people around the world and is enjoyed both as a hobby and as a competitive sport. Many may not know, however, that the modern game of badminton has its origins in the ancient game of poona, which was played in India. This article will explore the history of badminton and answer the question of when the game was first started.

The Earliest Forms of Badminton

The earliest forms of badminton can be traced back to ancient civilizations in Greece and Egypt, where a similar game was played with a shuttlecock made of feathers and a curved stick. In the 16th century, a similar game called battledore and shuttlecock was popular in China and Japan. This game was played with a paddle and shuttlecock, and is believed to be the ancestor of modern badminton.

The Game of Poona

The game of poona was developed in India in the 19th century. It was similar to battledore and shuttlecock but used a net and a larger shuttlecock. The game was popular in India and was introduced to British soldiers stationed in the country. These soldiers brought the game back to England and eventually it made its way to other parts of Europe.

The Birth of Modern Badminton

Modern badminton was developed in England in the late 19th century. In 1873, the Duke of Beaufort introduced the game at his country estate in Gloucestershire, England. The new game was an instant hit and was quickly adopted by the upper classes in England. The game was given its name “Badminton” after the Duke’s estate.

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The Formation of the Badminton Association

In 1893, the Badminton Association (BA) was formed in England. The BA was the first governing body of badminton, and it was responsible for setting the rules and regulations for the game. The association also organized the first badminton tournament, which was held in 1899.

The Spread of Badminton Around the World

In the early 1900s, badminton began to spread around the world. It was particularly popular in India, where it had its roots, as well as in China, Japan and other parts of Asia. The game was also gaining popularity in Europe and the United States.

The International Badminton Federation

In 1934, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) was formed in England. The IBF was responsible for promoting badminton around the world and organizing international tournaments. The IBF is now known as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and is the governing body for the sport.

Conclusion

Badminton is a beloved racket sport that has been around for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations in Greece and Egypt, and the modern game was developed in England in the late 19th century. Badminton quickly spread around the world and is now enjoyed as a hobby and competitive sport by millions of people around the globe.