Badminton

History of Badminton
Badminton grew out of a game called 'Poona', which was popular in India in the 19th century.
Its modern rules were created by an Englishman, John Loraine Baldwin, who named the new sport after Badminton House, where he – and many other visitors – had enjoyed playing a game involving 'battledores', shuttlecocks and a net in the Great Hall.
Badminton quickly caught on in the UK in the late 19th century. Today it is among the world's most popular sports, both in terms of participation and spectator numbers.

Badminton at the Games
Badminton first appeared at the Games as a demonstration event at Munich 1972. It became a full medal sport 20 years later, at the Barcelona 1992 Games. However, it was not until Atlanta 1996 that the Mixed Doubles event was added to the Olympic Badminton programme.
Badminton is still most popular in its traditional heartlands of Europe and Asia. Indonesia, Korea and China are the dominant forces in the sport.

Venue: Wembley Arena
Dates: Saturday 28 July – Sunday 5 August
Gold medals up for grabs: 5
Athletes: 172 (86 men, 86 women)

Where can I try Badminton?
Amersham Badminton Club
Wycombe Badminton Centre
Phoenix Badminton Club

Bucks Athletes to follow
Nathan Robertson

Former Bucks Athletes
Gail Emms