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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you’re totally new to badminton, most clubs and leisure centres will offer equipment hire for beginners. But when you’re ready to commit, here are five bits of kits to take your game to the next level…
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
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.
02:38Many clubs and leisure centres offer beginner-friendly taster badminton sessions. Whether you’re 7 or 70, there’s a place to start near you. Click here to find your nearest beginner session, whatever your age or skill level.
Local badminton clubs offer social games, structured coaching, and team play. Find your local club here
Coaching opportunities are available for those passionate about nurturing and developing badminton’s future stars. Click here to find out more
From officiating to running social media outreach, grassroots badminton thrives on community effort. Get involved and make a difference, click here to find out more