Badminton has long been a popular sport enjoyed by many, with a rich history and a wealth of interesting facts.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a casual fan, there are likely some surprising details about the game that you might not be aware of.

Read on to discover how many of these facts are new to you!

Badminton: The Fastest Racquet Sport and Surprising Facts About the Game

Badminton holds the title of the fastest racquet sport in the world. While both tennis and badminton use racquets and projectiles, the shuttlecock in badminton reaches incredible speeds, sometimes exceeding 200 mph. This is made possible by the shuttle’s small size and light weight, allowing it to travel much faster than a tennis ball.

The Truth About Shuttlecock Feathers

It’s often believed that only feathers from the left wing of a goose are suitable for making badminton shuttles, but this is actually a myth. As long as the feathers are straight, they can come from either wing of the goose. In fact, duck feathers have also been used historically to make shuttles.

Badminton’s Origins in 'Battledore and Shuttlecock'

Before becoming the competitive sport we know today, badminton evolved from a children’s game called Battledore and Shuttlecock. In this early version, there were no nets or formal scoring systems—just kids in Europe batting a shuttle back and forth with racquets. Over time, the game was refined into the sport of badminton we enjoy today.

The Longest Badminton Match Ever Played

The longest badminton match on record lasted a remarkable 25 hours, 24 minutes, and 44 seconds. Played by Mario Langmann and Thomas Paulweber in Reutle, Austria, on November 26-27, 2016, this marathon match is a testament to the endurance and stamina required by the sport.

The Longest Rally in a Badminton Tournament

In an incredible display of skill and stamina, the longest rally in a badminton tournament involved 256 shots between Naoko Fukuman and Kurumi Yonao. The rally lasted a gripping 4.5 minutes, showcasing the intensity and precision of high-level badminton play.

Leg Muscle Development in Badminton Players

Badminton is a fast-paced sport that requires constant movement around the court, often involving quick sprints and agile footwork. As a result, players tend to develop stronger leg muscles. The need to chase down the shuttle and position themselves effectively to return shots leads to significant muscle growth in the legs, making badminton an excellent workout for lower-body strength.

Badminton’s Origins: From Poona to Global Sport

Badminton was originally called Poona after the town of Poona in India, where the sport was first played. British soldiers stationed there in the 19th century brought the game back to Britain, where it was further developed and popularized. In 1873, the first official rules for Poona were established, and the game began to resemble the modern version of badminton.

These facts highlight just a few of the fascinating aspects of badminton’s history and the physical demands it places on it's players!