Badminton is a centuries-old sport that’s enjoyed around the world today. But what was badminton called in ancient Greece? Let’s take a look at the history of the sport and how it evolved over time.
Origins of Badminton
Badminton is thought to have originated in ancient Greece, where it was known as “Ullamaliztli.” This is a combination of two words: “Ullamaliz” which means “to jump over” and “tli” which means “ball.” This suggests that the game was played with a ball that had to be jumped over, much like modern-day badminton.
The game was likely played with a shuttlecock made of feathers and a net strung between two poles. It is believed that this was the first type of badminton and that it was popular among the athletes of ancient Greece.
Evolution of Badminton
The game of badminton evolved over time and spread to other countries. In the 16th century, it was played in Japan under the name “Hanetsuki.” In India, the game was known as “Poona.” In England, it was called “Battledore and Shuttlecock.”
In 1873, the first official badminton rules were written. This marked the beginning of badminton as a modern sport. From then on, the game spread to other countries and quickly gained popularity.
The Birth of Modern Badminton
The first badminton tournament was held in 1877 in Guilford, England. The game was known as “The All England Open Badminton Championships.” This tournament established the sport as a legitimate one and led to the formation of the International Badminton Federation (IBF) in 1934.
Today, badminton is one of the most popular racquet sports in the world. It is played in more than 70 countries and is included in the Olympic Games.
Conclusion
Badminton is a centuries-old sport that has its roots in ancient Greece. The game was then known as “Ullamaliztli” and was likely played with a shuttlecock and a net. Over the centuries, the game evolved and spread to other countries, where it was known by different names. Finally, in 1877, the first official badminton tournament was held and the sport was established as a legitimate one. Today, badminton is played in more than 70 countries and is included in the Olympic Games.