Badminton is one of the most popular and widely played racquet sports in the world. It is also a popular game in India, where it has been played for centuries. But where did it all begin? Let’s take a look at the history of badminton in India and how it has evolved over the years.
Origins of Badminton in India
The origins of badminton in India can be traced back to the 19th century, when the British first introduced it to the country. The game was initially known as Poona, and was played by British soldiers stationed in the city of Pune. It was played with racquets and a shuttlecock, and the rules were similar to those of modern badminton.
The game quickly gained popularity and spread to other parts of India. It was soon adopted by the Indian people, who began playing it in their own style. This included playing with a larger shuttlecock and a thinner racquet, as well as modified rules. Over time, the game evolved and changed to become what we now know as badminton.
Spread of Badminton in India
The game of badminton soon spread across India, and was played in many cities and states. It was especially popular in the south, where it was commonly played in cities like Chennai and Hyderabad.
The game of badminton also spread to other countries in the region, including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It was particularly popular in Sri Lanka, where the game was known as “polo”.
Badminton in the Early 20th Century
By the early 20th century, badminton had become a popular sport in India. It was played in many schools and colleges, as well as in local clubs.
The game also began to be played competitively, with tournaments being held in various cities. The first official tournament was held in Madras (now Chennai) in 1934. This was followed by the first national championship in 1935, which was held in Bangalore.
Growth of Badminton in India
Badminton continued to grow in popularity in India after the Second World War. It was played in more and more schools and colleges, and the game began to be seen as a sport that could be taken seriously.
In the 1950s, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) was formed to promote the game and organize tournaments. The BAI started the All India Open Badminton Championships in 1957, which soon became the most prestigious badminton tournament in the country.
The Indian Badminton League
The Indian Badminton League (IBL) was launched in 2013, in an effort to promote the game and attract more fans. The league featured six teams, and was played over a six-week period. It was a success, and was followed by the launch of the Premier Badminton League (PBL) in 2016.
The PBL has become one of the most popular tournaments in India, and has helped to further promote the game. It has also helped to bring more international players to India, and has seen some of the world’s best players take part.
Conclusion
Badminton has been played in India for centuries, and it continues to be a popular sport in the country. It has come a long way since it was first introduced by the British in the 19th century, and has grown to become a major sport in India. The introduction of the Indian Badminton League and the Premier Badminton League in recent years has further helped to promote the game, and it looks set to continue to grow in popularity in the years to come.