Here’s what you oughta know.
She introduces the days activity as badminton, something youve perhaps only seen in retro photos.
Then, the bell rings and the equipment is tucked away.
Perhaps the game fades away in your memory as a pleasant but fleeting memory.
That is, until you spot it while scrolling social media in 2024.
According to aPinterest trend report, Gen Z and Millennials are driving popularity for badminton this year.
data analyst at market research companyGWI
Another racket sport, the now-famous pickleball, has also gone from virtually unknown to ubiquitous in recent years.
Increasingly, were seeing sports grow their following through social media, particularly TikTok.
(Badminton influencers like@badmintonjackhave already gained millions of likes on TikTok.)
Heres how badminton reemerged as a trending sportand what makes it so appealing to players today.
What is badminton, anyway?
One side scores a point when the birdie hits the ground in the opponents half of the court.
The first side to reach 21 points wins the game (all matches are best-of-three games).
However, it also has a robust history in the United States.
The sports popularity boomed in the 1930s with the support of YMCAs and educational institutions.
data analyst at market research companyGWI
Many celebrities like Bette Davis and James Cagney played.
The sport grew over the years, but American clubs eventually saw a slight decline in the 1970s.
Similar topickleball, badminton is touted for both its accessibility and health benefits.
Plus, the benefits have been seen in all types of populations, ages, and sexes.
Increasingly, were seeing sports grow their following through social media, particularly TikTok.
Youll find it in the schools, universities, and on social media and live on TV.
Ten years ago, someone would ask what badminton is, but now its almost everywhere here.
Its also affordable and simple for someone of any age to learn the rules of badminton.
For first-time players, its very cheap and the racket is also very light, Knekna says.
Its easy for anyone to learn.
Plus, you’re free to play it anywhere.
This made it more fascinating and faster.
Since the 1992 Olympics, many initiatives have been launched to grow the game worldwide.
These events are often live-streamed.
The current efforts to promote badminton are also in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Its all over the country.
Most badminton athletes are self-funded in the states.
Plus, an Olympic medal causes the sport to explode, Kearney says.
India has exploded for badminton, for instance, because they won a silver medal in the Olympics.
The United States has not yet won an Olympic medal for badminton.
From that first moment, you see them get excited during the rally and they start smiling.
What else do we need?
I see increasing growth, membership, and playtime for badminton, Kearney says.
With the Olympics, there will be the opportunity to expose it to more and more people.
From that first moment, you see them get excited during the rally and they start smiling.
What else do we need?
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