Badminton and tennis are two of the most popular racquet sports in the world. Both have been enjoyed by millions of people for many years and are exciting, competitive sports that can be played for leisure or competitively. So, which one is more popular?
History
Tennis has a long and rich history. It was first played in France in the 12th century, then later popularized by King Charles IX of France in the late 1500s. It has been a professional sport since the late 1800s and is now played around the world.
Badminton, on the other hand, has been around since the 1700s. It was first played in India, then spread to China, Japan and other parts of the world. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that the game gained popularity in Europe.
Popularity
When it comes to popularity, tennis is the clear winner. It is one of the few sports that are played in all four corners of the world, from the United States to Europe, Asia to Australia. According to Statista, there are over 150 million tennis players in the world, and the sport is played in over 200 countries.
Badminton, on the other hand, is popular in certain parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Europe. According to the Badminton World Federation, there are over 70 million badminton players worldwide.
Competitive Level
Both badminton and tennis are popular at the professional level. Tennis has four major tournaments (Wimbledon, US Open, French Open and Australian Open) that attract the best players in the world and millions of viewers around the globe.
Badminton’s biggest tournament is the Badminton World Championships. The tournament is held every two years and attracts the top players in the world. It is watched by millions of people around the globe and is one of the most prestigious tournaments in badminton.
Popularity Among Different Age Groups
Tennis is popular among all age groups, from children to adults. It is one of the few sports that can be played by people of all ages, making it accessible to everyone.
Badminton, on the other hand, is more popular among adults. Most children and young adults prefer to play other sports such as basketball or football. However, it is becoming increasingly popular among children and young adults in some parts of the world.
Conclusion
Both badminton and tennis are popular sports that have been played for hundreds of years. Tennis is the clear winner when it comes to popularity as it is played in over 200 countries and has over 150 million players worldwide. However, badminton is becoming increasingly popular in some parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Europe.