Badminton is an increasingly popular sport that is enjoyed around the world. But where is it played the most? In this article, we will take a look at the countries where badminton is most popular and the reasons why it is so widely played.
China
No country plays badminton more than China. Badminton is the most popular racket sport in China and is also the country’s most successful sport. The country has produced some of the greatest badminton players of all time and has won numerous Olympic and World Badminton Championships.
It is estimated that around 300 million people in China play badminton, making it by far the most popular sport in the country. The popularity of the game can be attributed to its low cost, easy access and the fact that it can be played both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, badminton has been played in China since the 19th century, and the sport has a long and rich history in the country.
Indonesia
Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most renowned badminton players, and the sport is immensely popular in the country. It is estimated that around 80 million Indonesians play badminton, making it the second most popular sport in the country.
Badminton has a long history in Indonesia, and the country hosted the first ever Badminton World Championships in 1977. The country has since become a powerhouse in the sport, producing a number of world-class players such as Taufik Hidayat, Susi Susanti and Alan Budikusuma.
Malaysia
Malaysia is also a hotbed of badminton talent, and the country is home to some of the best badminton players in the world. Badminton is the national sport of Malaysia, and it is estimated that around 30 million Malaysians play the game.
Badminton has a long history in Malaysia, and the country has produced a number of world-class players such as Lee Chong Wei, Wong Choong Hann and Tan Aik Huang. The country has also hosted numerous international badminton tournaments, including the Badminton Asia Championships, the Thomas Cup and the Sudirman Cup.
Japan
Japan is another country where badminton is widely played. It is estimated that around 10 million Japanese people play the game, making it the fourth most popular racket sport in the country.
Badminton has a long history in Japan, and the country has produced a number of world-class players such as China’s Lin Dan and South Korea’s Lee Yong-Dae. The country has also hosted numerous international badminton tournaments, including the Japan Open and the All Japan Open.
South Korea
South Korea is also a major powerhouse in badminton, and the game is immensely popular in the country. It is estimated that around 5 million people in South Korea play badminton, making it the fifth most popular sport in the country.
South Korea has a long history of producing world-class badminton players, such as Lee Yong-Dae, Lee Hyun-Il and Lee Jae-Jin. The country has also hosted numerous international badminton tournaments, including the Korea Open and the Korea Masters.
Other Countries
Badminton is also popular in a number of other countries around the world, including India, Denmark, Thailand, Singapore and the United Kingdom. The sport is also popular in the United States, where it is estimated that around one million people play the game.
Conclusion
Badminton is a popular sport that is enjoyed around the world. The game is most popular in China, where it is estimated that around 300 million people play the game. Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan are also hotbeds of badminton talent, and the game is also popular in a number of other countries around the world.