Badminton is a popular racquet sport played by individuals or pairs, in which players use rackets to hit a shuttlecock back and forth over a high net. The game is played on a rectangular court, with the net dividing the court in half. The objective of the game is to hit the shuttlecock in such a way that the opponent is unable to return it, or to hit it out of bounds.

The sport of badminton has been around for centuries, with the first recorded game played in ancient Greece. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that the modern version of the game was developed in England. Badminton is an Olympic sport and is included in the Summer Olympic Games. The sport is governed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), which is responsible for organizing international tournaments and setting the rules of the game.

Getty Images / Photodisc / GoranQmin

Badminton has a strong following around the world, with millions of people participating in the sport either as players or fans. In terms of global popularity, badminton ranks behind only a few other sports, such as soccer, basketball, and cricket. The BWF World Championships, the sport’s biggest event, regularly attracts hundreds of millions of viewers globally. Badminton is also popular at the collegiate level, with many universities in Asia and Europe offering badminton programs. In addition, the sport is played by millions of people in recreational settings, such as community centers, parks, and backyard courts.

Despite its popularity, badminton is not as widely televised as some other sports, which may limit its exposure to a wider audience. However, the sport has a dedicated fan base and is enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It is also a popular spectator sport, with major tournaments drawing large crowds and generating significant media coverage. Overall, badminton is a well-known and widely played sport around the world.