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Whisk yourself into the whirl of shuttlecocks and racquets!

Embark on an electrifying tour to discover which countries have badminton pulsating through their veins.

Are you game to soar with the best of them? Prepare to be smitten by the countries that have mastered the swift swings of badminton!

Countries where badminton is most popular:

  1. China
  2. Indonesia
  3. Malaysia
  4. Denmark
  5. India
  6. South Korea
  7. Japan
  8. Thailand
  9. England (United Kingdom)
  10. Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)
  11. Singapore

#1 China

Tom Thai2008 Summer Olympics Badminton – Women’s doubles final, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY 2.0

Badminton in China is a symbol of national pride, with players frequently dominating the world stage.

The country’s state-sponsored sports system has produced numerous champions, bolstering its reputation as a badminton powerhouse. This intense focus on the sport has fostered a culture that values badminton both as a competitive pursuit and a popular recreational activity.

#2 Indonesia

Pierre-Yves BeaudouinYonex IFB 2013 – Eightfinal – Ma Jin – Zhong Qianxin — Nitya Krishinda Maheswari – Greysia Polii 01, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY-SA 4.0

Indonesia’s love affair with badminton is evident in its standing as one of the sport’s most successful nations.

Historical performances in top tournaments, such as Thomas Cup and All England, have entrenched badminton within national culture. The fervent support from fans reveals a deep engagement with the sport, making it one of the most-watched and played in the country.

#3 Malaysia

Pierre-Yves Beaudouin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0Yonex IFB 2013 – Quarterfinal – Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong vs Chris Adcock-Andrew Ellis 07, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY-SA 4.0

Badminton is a cornerstone of Malaysian sports, rooted in a long history of competitive achievements, including prestigious titles.

The nation has a strong infrastructure for badminton development, and the sport enjoys widespread popularity, from local clubs to national events. Malaysia’s commitment to badminton has secured its position as a global contender and a cherished national pastime.

#4 Denmark

Murray Foubister2014 US Open Grand Prix Gold – Mathias Boe and Carsten Mogensen, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY-SA 2.0

Badminton holds a unique position in Denmark as one of the most popular sports, with a particularly strong tradition in European badminton. Denmark consistently produces world-class players who excel on the international stage, including the Olympics and World Championships.

The country’s numerous clubs and academies nurture young talent, supporting a vibrant community that values both competitive success and widespread participation.

#5 India

B20180K Srikanth & Sitthikom Thammasin, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY-SA 3.0

Badminton is one of the leading sports in India, popularized by the success of players like P.V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal.

With deep roots in the community, the sport has seen a surge in popularity, with extensive support from the Badminton Association of India, which organizes national and regional tournaments to promote and develop talent. India’s achievements in international competitions have further spurred the growth of badminton at the grassroots level.

#6 South Korea

Pierre-Yves BeaudouinYonex IFB 2013 – Eightfinal – Kim Ki-jung-Kim Sa-rang — Chris Adcock-Andrew Ellis 01, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY-SA 4.0

Badminton in South Korea has a strong footprint, buoyed by the country’s systematic training and talent development programs. South Korean players often rank high in international play, with a particular strength in doubles events.

The sport enjoys widespread popularity and media coverage, contributing to a steady production of world-class players and fervent local support.

#7 Japan

Pierre-Yves Beaudouin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0Yonex IFB 2013 – Quarterfinal – Tian Qing – Zhao Yunlei vs Misaki Matsutomo – Ayaka Takahashi 09, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY-SA 4.0

Japan’s rise in badminton is driven by structured coaching and significant investment in grassroots initiatives.

The country’s badminton players routinely challenge for top honors on the world stage, indicating a robust infrastructure that nurtures talent. Interest in badminton peaks during high-profile competitions, reflecting the sport’s growing importance in Japan’s competitive sports scene.

#8 Thailand

WILSea Games Badmintion Final (36536144293), scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY 2.0

Badminton in Thailand thrives thanks to a blend of enthusiastic grassroots engagement and government support.

A burgeoning shuttlecock industry also hints at local enthusiasm, while Thai players frequently secure victories in international tournaments, cementing the sport’s status. Thai culture embraces badminton as a popular recreational activity, further fueling its popularity nationwide.

#9 England (United Kingdom)

Peter SaxonMatthewHughes, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY-SA 4.0

The sport of badminton holds a significant place in England, with a history of popularity dating back to the 19th century.

England has hosted prestigious tournaments like the All England Open and has been influential in formalizing the rules of the game. Grassroots participation and dedicated fan support maintain badminton’s relevance in the UK’s diverse athletic landscape.

#10 Chinese Taipei (Taiwan)

De-Shao Liu (Terry850324), 2019 Chinese Taipei Open 08, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taiwan has emerged as a significant force in international badminton, thanks to systematic support from sports authorities and a strong emphasis on training.

Taiwanese players are known for their agility and technical skills, often ranking high in international standings. The sport enjoys widespread popularity, with considerable investments in training facilities and programs that foster young talent across the nation.

#11 Singapore

TanDavidPhotographyJason Teh SBO2022, scaling by sportsfoundation.org, CC BY-SA 4.0

Badminton is a prominent sport in Singapore, played by individuals of all ages. The Singapore Badminton Association plays a crucial role in the sport’s development, organizing numerous competitions that range from school leagues to professional tournaments.

The nation’s strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it a popular venue for international badminton events, enhancing its reputation as a hub for competitive badminton.

FAQ

Which country is Badminton played the most?

Badminton is played the most in Indonesia, Denmark, and China, which are considered powerhouses in the sport, with widespread participation at both amateur and professional levels.

Which country watches Badminton the most?

China watches Badminton the most, demonstrating immense popularity with large television audiences, especially during major tournaments like the BWF World Championships and the Olympics.

Where was Badminton originally played?

Badminton was originally played in British India during the mid-19th century. Discover more in our comprehensive Badminton history article. Later, it was brought to England where it was developed and formalized as a sport.

Meet Rev, one of our dedicated team members who embodies the essence of sports passion. When he’s not immersed in the world of sports content creation, Rev is busy honing his skills in esports and exploring the great outdoors through activities like hiking and basketball.

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