badminton

badminton , game played by volleying a shuttlecock (called a "bird" )—a small, cork hemisphere to which feathers are attached—over a net. Light, gut-strung rackets are used. Badminton, which is generally similar to tennis, is played by two or four persons. A badminton court for singles play measures 17 ft (5.18 m) by 44 ft (13.40 m) and for doubles 20 ft (6.10 m) by 44 ft (13.40 m). The net is 5 ft (1.52 m) high at the center and 5 ft 1 in. (1.55 m) at the posts. The game probably originated in India (where it was called poona), although it may have been known earlier in China. It was popular in the 1870s in England, taking its name from Badminton, the Gloucestershire estate of the duke of Beaufort. The game was introduced into the United States in the 1890s and grew in popularity in the 1930s. The International Badminton Association (founded 1934) sponsors the Thomas Cup for men's teams and the Woer Cup for women's teams, the world championships of badminton. Badminton has been an official Olympic sport since 1992.

badminton took its name from the Gloucestershire seat of the dukes of Beaufort, where it is believed to have evolved in the 1870s from the older game of shuttlecock. It was much played in the Indian army and rules were drawn up in Poona. A Badminton Association was founded in 1893, an Irish Union in 1899, a Scottish in 1911, and a Welsh in 1928. An International Federation was formed in 1934. The convenience of a vigorous and sociable under-cover game led to its rapid spread, particularly in Scandinavia and the Far East.

J. A. Cannon

badminton Court game for two or four players, popular since the 1870s. The rules were drawn up in Pune, India, and codified with the formation of the Badminton Association (1893). The object is to use a light racket to volley a shuttlecock over a net until missed or hit out of bounds by an opponent. Only the player serving can score a point; games are played to 15 points.