Badminton is a sport that has been around for centuries and is enjoyed by people all over the world. But what is the origin or ancient name of badminton? This article will look into the history of badminton and explore the origin of its ancient name.
History of Badminton
The earliest recorded game of badminton can be traced back to the 18th century in India, where it was called “Poona” or “Poonah”. This game was played by British soldiers stationed in India and was a variation of a game called “battledore and shuttlecock”, which originated in China. From India, the game was brought back to England and eventually spread to other parts of the world.
The modern game of badminton was developed in the 19th century by the Duke of Beaufort in England. The rules of the game were formalised in 1887 and the Badminton Association was formed in 1893. The game quickly gained popularity and became an Olympic sport in 1992.
Origin of the Name
The name “badminton” is believed to have originated from the Duke of Beaufort’s estate, which was called Badminton House. The game was played in the grounds of the estate and so the name “badminton” was adopted.
The Ancient Name
The ancient name of badminton is believed to be derived from the Indian name “Poona”. The term “poona” is derived from the Hindi word “pon” which means to fly. The ancient Indian game of “poona” was played with a battledore and shuttlecock, and the object of the game was to keep the shuttlecock in the air for as long as possible.
Conclusion
Badminton is a sport that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. The origin of its ancient name is believed to be derived from the Indian game of “poona” and the Duke of Beaufort’s estate, Badminton House. While the modern rules of the game were formalised in the 19th century, it’s clear that badminton has been around for much longer.