The sport of badminton has been around for centuries and is enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. But why is it called badminton? The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might expect. There are several theories regarding the origins of the name and each of them has its own merits. In this article, we will explore the various theories as to why badminton is called badminton.
History of Badminton
Before we answer the question of why badminton is called badminton, it is important to understand the history of the sport. Badminton is a racquet sport that originated in India in the 18th century. It was introduced to England in the late 19th century and became popular in the country. It was first named “Poona” after the town where it was invented. The name was then changed to badminton, although the exact reason for this is not clear.
Theory 1: Named after the Duke of Beaufort
One of the most popular theories as to why badminton is called badminton is due to the Duke of Beaufort. The Duke of Beaufort was a prominent figure in England during the 19th century and was known to be an avid badminton player. He was the owner of the Badminton estate in Gloucestershire and it is believed that the sport was named after him.
Theory 2: Named after the Badminton House
Another theory suggests that the sport was named after the Badminton House in Gloucestershire. The house was owned by the Duke of Beaufort and it was the site of the first ever badminton tournament in 1873. It is believed that the tournament was named after the house and eventually the name was applied to the sport as a whole.
Theory 3: Named after Badminton, Maryland
The third theory suggests that the sport was named after Badminton, Maryland. Badminton is a town in Maryland that was established in the early 19th century. It is possible that the sport was named after the town, although this theory is less popular than the other two.
Conclusion
The exact reason as to why badminton is called badminton is not clear. However, the most popular theories suggest that it was either named after the Duke of Beaufort or the Badminton House in Gloucestershire. It is also possible that the sport was named after Badminton, Maryland. Whatever the origin of the name, badminton is a popular sport that has been enjoyed by millions of people for centuries.