Badminton is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of players participating in it on a regular basis. But what was badminton called before it adopted the name we know it by today? The answer may surprise you.
History of Badminton
The history of badminton can be traced back to the late 19th century when a group of British army officers stationed in India began playing a game called “Poona” which was similar to the modern game of badminton. The name “Poona” was derived from the city of Pune in India, where the game was first played. This game was eventually brought back to England and began to be played in the British aristocracy.
The first official rules of badminton were written in 1873 by the Bath Badminton Club, which is the oldest badminton club in the world. The game quickly spread throughout England and other parts of Europe and eventually reached the United States.
What Was Badminton Called Before?
Before badminton adopted its modern name, it was referred to by a number of different names. These include: “Poona,” “Battledore and Shuttlecock,” “Feather Tennis,” “Chinese Shuttlecock,” and “Shuttlecock and Battledore”.
Poona
The game of Poona was the earliest form of badminton and was played in India during the late 19th century. The game was similar to the modern version of badminton, although the rules were slightly different. Poona was played with two teams of two players using a shuttlecock and two battledores (which were similar to modern day paddles). The game was played outdoors on a grass court and the aim was to hit the shuttlecock back and forth without it touching the ground.
Battledore and Shuttlecock
Battledore and Shuttlecock, sometimes referred to as “Feather Tennis,” was a popular game in England during the 18th century. It was similar to Poona, but was played with a single battledore and a single shuttlecock. The aim of the game was to hit the shuttlecock back and forth between players without it touching the ground.
Chinese Shuttlecock
Chinese Shuttlecock, sometimes referred to as “Chinese Feather Tennis,” was a popular game in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD). It was similar to Battledore and Shuttlecock, but was played with a single shuttlecock and two battledores. The aim of the game was to hit the shuttlecock back and forth between players without it touching the ground.
Shuttlecock and Battledore
Shuttlecock and Battledore was the name given to a variety of games that were popular in the Victorian era. It was similar to Chinese Shuttlecock, but was played with two shuttlecocks and two battledores. The aim of the game was to hit the shuttlecocks back and forth between players without them touching the ground.
Conclusion
The game of badminton has a long and interesting history, and its name has changed several times over the years. From its beginnings in India as the game of Poona to its modern name of badminton, the game has seen many changes. What was badminton called before it adopted its modern name? The answer is a variety of names, including Poona, Battledore and Shuttlecock, Feather Tennis, Chinese Shuttlecock, and Shuttlecock and Battledore.