Badminton is one of the most popular racket sports in the world today, with an estimated 200 million players worldwide. But what many people don’t know is that badminton’s history stretches back hundreds of years. In this article, we’ll take a look at what badminton was originally called and the fascinating history behind it.
Origins of Badminton
The origins of badminton can be traced back to the game of “battledore and shuttlecock”, which was a game played in ancient Greece and India as early as 2000 BC. This game involved two players hitting a feathered shuttlecock back and forth with small rackets or paddles.
The game eventually made its way to England in the late 1800s, where it began to be referred to as “Poona”. This name was derived from the city of Poona (now known as Pune), India, where it was popularized by British officers stationed there.
The Birth of Badminton
The game of Poona eventually made its way to the Duke of Beaufort’s estate in Gloucestershire, England. Here, the game was further refined and adapted for the English aristocracy and began to be referred to as “Badminton”. It is believed that the name was derived from the Duke’s estate, which was called “Badminton House”.
The Formation of the Badminton Association
The game of badminton quickly took off in England and eventually caught the attention of the newly formed Badminton Association. The Badminton Association was formed in 1893 and was the world’s first governing body for the sport. It was responsible for setting the rules and regulations for the game and for the promotion of badminton worldwide.
Badminton Spreads Worldwide
The popularity of badminton quickly spread around the world, with the game being played in countries such as Canada, the United States, Japan and China. Badminton clubs began to be formed in many countries, and the game was even included in the Olympic Games in 1992.
Conclusion
Badminton is one of the most popular racket sports in the world today, with a history that stretches back hundreds of years. It began as a game called “battledore and shuttlecock” in ancient Greece and India and eventually made its way to England, where it was adapted and popularized by the aristocracy. It was here, at the Duke of Beaufort’s estate, that the game was first referred to as “Badminton”. The game quickly spread around the world, with the Badminton Association being formed in 1893 to regulate and promote the sport. Badminton is now an international sport, with an estimated 200 million players worldwide.