Badminton

Badminton is a sport that is played using racquets. The players use the racquet to hit a shuttlecock so as to pass it across the net. A shuttlecock is the object that players use in playing the game. It serves the same function as a ball in other games. This is a game that can be played in groups or by two people. This is a sport that gives the players of the game numerous benefits.

Origin of badminton

The origin of badminton can be traced back to the ancient European and Asian countries. This was over 2000 years ago when the game was known as battledore and shuttlecock.

In the fifteenth century, this game was used as a way of passing time among the upper class society in Europe. The Battledore and shuttlecock involved two players hitting a shuttle and passing it between them while not allowing it to touch the ground.

However, the origin of the modern day badminton was British India in the mid 19^th century. The British military officials who were in the region are the ones who started the game. Unlike in Battledore and shuttlecock, this one has a net where players were to pass the shuttlecock across the net. At the time, this game was referred to as the ‘Poona’ or ‘Poonai’. The British soldiers then took the game to England. It was in March 1898 that the first Open Tournament took place in Guildford. In 1934, the International badminton Federation was formed.

Rules of badminton

1. The game can only be played by either two players; one on each side, or between four players; two on each side.
2. When the match is official, it has to be played indoors. The indoor court should have dimensions of 6. 1 meters by 13.4 meters. There should also be a net that is centrally located on the court with a height of 1.55 meters.
3. In order to score in the game, a player’s shuttlecock should hit within the court of the opponent.
4. In case you hit the shuttlecock and it hits the net or goes outside the court, a point is given to your opponent.
5. There is no option of a second serve and if your first one fails, a point is given to your opponent.
6. When making a hit, it should be underarm or be below the waist of the server.
7. A player should not touch the net with their body or with the racquet as it is considered to be a fault and a point is given to the opponent.

Importance of playing badminton

1. By playing badminton, you are able to improve your physical fitness. This is through all the running that takes place in the court.
2. Badminton also helps in burning calories and fat. This is because it is a form of exercise that involves running and diving to get and hit the ball.
3. This sport also offers great mental benefits like reduction of stress and anxiety.
4. Badminton also offers social benefits. This is because a player gets to interact with other players and even become members of clubs or leagues.
5. Badminton also helps to improve your reflexes. Players have enhanced body and eye coordination.
6. Playing the sport will also improve focus and concentration levels as players get to concentrate on a ball for long periods of time.
7. Players also benefit from increased muscle tone as it is a form of exercise.
8. By playing badminton, players are also able to reduce weight which is very good in reducing the risk of getting cardiovascular diseases.
9. This sport also reduces the risk of getting diabetes since by playing one is able to reduce the levels of blood sugar in the body.
10. Playing badminton also helps to reduce the chance of getting mobility diseases like arthritis as it is a sport that requires one to move a lot.

Badminton in India

Badminton is one of the most popular sports in India as comes second as the most played sport in the country. The Badminton Association of India is the one that manages badminton in the country of India. When it comes to players, some of the country’s shuttlers like Saina Nehwal and K. Srikanth are ranked to be among the top ten players by the badminton World Federation. The player Saina Nehwal was the first female player in the country to gain the first spot in the world in the year 2015. In the years 1980 and 2001, Padukone and Gopichand won the All England Open title respectively. For the first time in the country, Saina achieved the gold medal in the Badminton World Federation Junior Championships. There are also other notable players that have won many medals for India.

Conclusion

Badminton is a sport that has been played since the ancient civilizations. Although the sport has evolved since then, some of the rules of the game have stuck since it was first invented. This sport also has numerous health benefits that it offers. It is a sport that is not expensive as it only requires one to purchase a racquet and a shuttlecock.