Badminton is one of the most popular and widely played sports in the world. It has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century in India, where it was first played and known as “Poona”. In this article, we will explore the origins of the game, how it evolved over time, and what it was originally called in India.
History of Badminton
The origins of badminton date back to the 18th century in India, where the game was originally known as “Poona”. It was originally played as a competitive game between military officers in the court of the King of Poona, who was a ruler of the Maratha Empire. The game was also known as “poona-ball”, because it was played with a shuttlecock made of feathers attached to a leather ball.
The British colonizers of India brought the game to England in 1873. They renamed it “Badminton” after the Duke of Beaufort’s country estate, Badminton House, where the game was first played. The game rapidly gained in popularity and spread to other countries around the world. It was officially recognized by the International Badminton Federation in 1934 and has since become an Olympic sport.
How the Game Has Evolved
Over time, the game of badminton has evolved in several ways. The shuttlecock has changed from a leather ball with feathers to a synthetic material, and the racquets have become lighter and more aerodynamic. The rules of the game have also been modified to make it more competitive and interesting.
The scoring system has been modified to include the 21-point system, which makes the game more exciting and competitive. The game is now played in both singles and doubles formats, and the court size has been standardized to the same size for all competitions.
What It Was Called in India
The game of badminton was originally known as “Poona” in India during the 18th century. The game was also referred to as “poona-ball”, as the shuttlecock was made of feathers attached to a leather ball. The game was popular among military officers in the court of the King of Poona and was brought to England in 1873 by the British colonizers.
Conclusion
Badminton has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century in India, where it was first played and known as “Poona”. The game was brought to England in 1873 by the British colonizers and was renamed “Badminton” after the Duke of Beaufort’s country estate. The game has since evolved in several ways, and is now played in both singles and doubles formats. It is now an Olympic sport and is enjoyed by millions of people around the world.