As two of the most popular sports in the world, tennis and badminton have long been rival sports vying for the top spot in terms of popularity. While both sports are incredibly popular, the question of which one is more popular is a difficult one to answer. Let’s take a look at both sports to determine which is more popular.
History of Tennis and Badminton
Tennis is believed to have originated in the Middle Ages, with a game called “Jeu de Paume” being played in France. The modern form of the sport was developed in Birmingham, England, in the late 19th century. The first official lawn tennis tournament was held in 1877.
The history of badminton is a bit murkier. It is believed that the sport originated in ancient Greece and then spread to India, where it was played as a game called “Poona”. The modern form of the sport was developed in India in the late 19th century and it was introduced to England in 1873.
Popularity of Tennis and Badminton
Tennis is one of the most popular and widely-played sports in the world. According to the International Tennis Federation, there are over 200 million people who play tennis around the world. It is an Olympic sport and has been since the very first modern Olympics in 1896.
Badminton is also incredibly popular. According to the Badminton World Federation, there are over 200 million people who play badminton around the world. The sport has been an Olympic sport since 1992 and is incredibly popular in Asia.
Popularity in Different Countries
Tennis is incredibly popular around the world, but it is especially popular in Europe. It is the most popular sport in France and Spain, and it is also very popular in the United Kingdom.
Badminton is most popular in Asia, especially in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, China, and India. It is also popular in other parts of the world such as Europe and the United States.
Popularity Among Professional Athletes
Tennis is one of the most popular sports among professional athletes. It is estimated that there are over 500 professional tennis players in the world, and many of them are household names. Names like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams are some of the most famous athletes in the world.
Badminton is also very popular among professional athletes. It is estimated that there are over 400 professional badminton players in the world, and many of them are also household names. Names like Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei, and Saina Nehwal are some of the most famous badminton players in the world.
Conclusion
It is difficult to definitively say which sport is more popular – tennis or badminton. Both sports are incredibly popular around the world and have been for many years. They both have a large number of professional athletes and a large number of fans. Ultimately, the popularity of each sport will depend on the country and region in which they are played.