What’s new in badminton

  • World’s fastest racket sport


    World’s Fastest Racket Sport

    Badminton might look gentle, but the fastest recorded speed of a badminton shuttlecock is 351 mph (565 km/h), achieved by Indian player Satwiksairaj Rankireddy. This record-breaking speed was measured during a smash at the Yonex Tokyo Factory on April 14th 2023.

  • From ancient origins to Olympic glory

    Ancient Origins to Olympic glory

    The roots of badminton trace back to a game called ‘Poona’, played in India during the late 1800s. British army officers brought it to the UK, and by 1934 the International Badminton Federation was born. It made its Olympic debut in 1992.

  • Britain’s backyard game goes big


    Backyard game goes big

    Once a staple of school PE halls and community centres, badminton is now one of the most played sports in the UK, with around one million people picking up a racquet at least once a month, from school kids to seniors.

  • Britain’s badminton greats


    Britain’s badminton
 greats

    Gail Emms, Nathan Robertson, and Marcus Ellis are just a few of the Team GB players to shine on the global stage. Ems and Robertson won a silver medal in the mixed doubles at the 2004 Athens Olympics, while Ellis and Chris Langridge secured a bronze at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

  • China’s badminton dynasty

    China’s Badminton Dynasty

    From Olympic podiums to World Championship gold, China has ruled the badminton court like no other nation. With over 50 Olympic badminton medals and a record 14 Sudirman Cup titles, the nation has produced legends like Lin Dan and Zhao Yunlei – players who’ve redefined greatness and inspired millions across Asia and beyond.

Best of you

“Come off court having given the best version of your own game, whatever that looks like. Don’t be afraid to lose and don’t hide in anyone else’s shadow”

Marcus Ellis Men’s doubles bronze medallist, 2016 Olympics
Going gets tough

I knew if I kept going and kept training, I could get there. My focus on a podium finish and winning medals

Gail Emms Mixed doubles Olympic silver medalist, 2004

Grassroots in badminton

British Badminton icons Nathan Robertson & Gail Emms reminisce over their All England win in 2005 with a visit 20 years later in 2025. Courtesy of Badminton England.

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