Badminton is a popular sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It is a fast-paced game of skill and agility that requires two players or teams to hit a shuttlecock back and forth to each other using a racquet. Despite its modern-day popularity, the game of badminton has an interesting history that dates back centuries. One of the most interesting aspects of this history is the origin of the game’s name. So, what was badminton originally called?
Early Origins of the Sport
Badminton was first played in the mid-18th century in British India. It is believed to have been derived from a game called battledore and shuttlecock, which was popular in ancient Greece, China, and India. The game was originally known as Poona in British India, named after the city of Pune where it was popularized.
The Name ‘Badminton’
The name badminton is believed to have originated from the Badminton House in Gloucestershire, England. The Duke of Beaufort, who lived at the house, is credited with introducing the game to his guests in the late 18th century. The Duke’s guests enjoyed the game so much that they began playing it at their own homes and the game quickly spread throughout England.
The Duke’s guests named the game ‘Badminton’ in honour of Beaufort’s home, and the name stuck. The name was officially adopted in 1873 when the Badminton Association of England was founded. The association organized the first official badminton tournament that same year.
The Badminton Association of England
The Badminton Association of England (B.A.E.) was the first badminton governing body. It was founded in 1873 with the aim of introducing and regulating the sport of badminton. It was also responsible for laying down the rules of the game and organizing tournaments.
The B.A.E. was instrumental in popularizing badminton in England and other parts of the world. It organized the first All England Open Badminton Championships in 1899, which is now considered the world’s oldest badminton tournament. The B.A.E. also helped to create the International Badminton Federation (IBF) in 1934.
The International Badminton Federation
The IBF is the world governing body for the sport of badminton. It was founded in 1934 with the aim of promoting and developing the sport of badminton around the world. The IBF is responsible for organizing international tournaments and championships, as well as laying down the rules of the game.
The IBF has been instrumental in popularizing badminton around the world. It organizes the Thomas Cup, the world’s most important international badminton tournament, as well as the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
Conclusion
Badminton is a popular sport that has been enjoyed by millions of people for centuries. The game was originally known as Poona in British India, and was later named badminton in honour of the Duke of Beaufort’s home. The Badminton Association of England was responsible for popularizing the sport in England and other parts of the world, and the International Badminton Federation has been instrumental in popularizing the sport around the world.