What is Badminton?
It is a hitting game which evolved from the ancient game of battle dore and shuttle cock.
Games similar to battle dore and shuttle cock had been played for recreation in one form or another for undreds of years, the idea being to co-operate to see how many times the players could hit the shuttle to and fro without it hitting the ground.
The idea changed from one of co-operation to one of competition when the players began to hit the shuttle to the ground on their opponent’s side of the court.
The name badminton comes from Badminton house, the Gloucester-shire (now Avon) estate of the Duke of Beaufort where, in 1873, it is claimed some army officers on leave from India amused themselves by playing the game. The first set of rules was formed in 1873 in Poona and added to over the next few years.
The game continued to develop in different forms is various countries until 1893, the Badminton Association of England (BA of E) was formed and uniform set of the laws of Badminton was published. In 1934, the International Badminton Federation (IBF) was formed, the association of the countries which play badminton.
The most prestigious tournament, the all England Championships, was held in 1899. It takes place annually and is attended by the top players from all over the world. Until 1977 when the IBF organized the first formal world Championships in Malmo the all England Championships were considered to be the unofficial, world championships. The IBF world championships were are now held every two years. Other major championships are the common wealth games, the Europeans championships, the Asian championships and many grand prix tournaments. There are also major team championships, the Thomas cup for men and the Uber cup for women which are held every two years. In 1992, badminton game full recognition as an Olympic Sport.