Badminton is one of the most popular sports in the world, and is played in more than 150 countries. It is a fast-paced, high-intensity game that requires great skill and stamina to excel. Every country has its own champions, and the competition to be the best in the world is fierce. So, which country is the best at badminton?
Global Badminton Powerhouses
There are several countries that stand out as badminton powerhouses. China is widely considered to be the best country for badminton, with their players dominating the sport for many years. China has won an impressive total of 35 Olympic medals in badminton, including 14 gold medals.
The other major powerhouse of badminton is Indonesia. This Southeast Asian country has an impressive record at the Olympics, winning 5 gold medals, 8 silver medals and 5 bronze medals. Indonesian players have won numerous world titles, including three consecutive All England Open titles from 2014-2016.
Apart from China and Indonesia, there are several other countries that have made their mark in the world of badminton. South Korea is another badminton powerhouse, having won 4 Olympic medals, including 1 gold medal. Denmark, Japan, India and Malaysia are also considered to be strong badminton nations.
The Rise of the Underdogs
In recent years, there has been a surge in the number of countries that are making their mark in the sport of badminton. Some of these countries were not traditionally considered to be badminton powerhouses, but have been able to rise to the top through hard work and dedication.
Taiwan is one such country. This small island nation has been able to produce some excellent badminton players in recent years, including the world number one Tai Tzu Ying. Taiwan has also been able to win medals at the Olympics, and is now considered to be a major contender on the world stage.
Another rising badminton superpower is Thailand. This Southeast Asian country has seen a rapid rise in their badminton players’ rankings, and has been able to win several medals at the Olympics. Thailand’s Ratchanok Intanon is the first Thai player to become a world champion, having won the women’s singles title in 2013.
Conclusion
Badminton is a sport that is enjoyed by millions around the world, and the competition to be the best is fierce. While China and Indonesia have long been considered to be the top badminton nations, other countries are beginning to make their mark on the world stage. Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea, Denmark, Japan, India and Malaysia are all rising badminton powers, and this list is sure to grow in the coming years.