The Fascinating Origin Story of Badminton
Badminton is a widely-played sport enjoyed by people all around the world. But did you ever wonder what its original name was? The answer may surprise you!
Early Origins in Asia and Europe
The earliest origins of badminton can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was known as “battledore and shuttlecock.” In India, evidence suggests that a similar game called poona or poonai was played dating back to at least the 16th century. It also spread to other parts of Asia such as China, Japan, Burma (now Myanmar), and Siam (now Thailand).
Badminton is Born
It wasn’t until 1887 when an Englishman named Sir George Thomas returned from his travels in India that the modern version of badminton emerged. He created rules for a game he called “poondu” which would later become known as badminton. This new game quickly became very popular among British aristocracy who held tournaments on their private estates. By 1899, it had become so popular in England that two governing bodies were established: The Bath Badminton Club and The Badminton Association.
A Global Phenomenon
Today, badminton has grown into one of the most beloved sports worldwide with millions of players across many countries including China, Indonesia, Malaysia and even Canada! With its combination of agility, speed and strategy – it’s easy to see why this centuries-old pastime continues to captivate players today!
Conclusion
So next time you’re playing a friendly round or watching some professional matches — think about how far this exciting sport has come since ancient times! From battledore & shuttlecock in Ancient Greece through poona/poonai in India up till now – we owe much credit for our current love affair with badminton goes out to Sir George Thomas for giving us this amazing gift over 100 years ago!