Badminton is one of the most popular and widely-played sports in India. It has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated in ancient India. The game was then popularized in Europe and has now become a global phenomenon. But where was the first badminton game played in India?
History of Badminton in India
Badminton is believed to have originated in ancient India. The game was known as “Poona” and was played with a shuttlecock made of wool and feathers. The game was popular among the royal families and was played in the royal courts. The game was also played in religious ceremonies, festivals and other social gatherings.
In the early 19th century, British Army officers who were stationed in India began to play the game. They called it “Poona”, after the city of Pune, where they were stationed. The game then spread to England, where it was modified to become the modern game of badminton.
First Badminton Club in India
The first badminton club in India was established in 1873 in Pune. The club was called the Poona Badminton Club and it was set up by the British Army officers. The club was open to both men and women and was the first organized badminton club in India. The club had a large number of members and held regular tournaments and competitions.
The club provided a platform for Indians to compete and take part in the sport. The club also organized the first All India Badminton Tournament in 1877. This tournament was held in Pune and was the first of its kind in the country.
Growth of Badminton in India
The game of badminton gained popularity in India in the early 20th century. The first national badminton tournament in India was held in 1925 in Bombay. The tournament was organized by the Indian Badminton Association, which was founded in 1923. The Association organized regular tournaments and competitions and promoted the game of badminton in India.
The game of badminton gained further popularity in India in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Indian Badminton Association was then replaced by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) in 1934. The BAI was responsible for organizing national and international tournaments, and for developing the game in India.
Conclusion
The first badminton game in India was played in the Poona Badminton Club, which was established in 1873 in Pune. The club provided a platform for Indians to compete and take part in the sport. The game of badminton then gained popularity in India and the Badminton Association of India (BAI) was founded in 1934. The BAI has been responsible for promoting and developing the game of badminton in India.