Badminton is one of the most widely played sports in the world, and in parts of Asia it is a national passion with stadium crowds, prime-time TV coverage and household-name players. Its heartland stretches across East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, with Denmark as Europe’s stronghold. In the United States it is more often thought of as a backyard game, although competitive clubs are growing.
Where badminton is biggest
- China: the most successful nation in Olympic badminton history
- Indonesia and Malaysia: national passions with huge TV audiences
- India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand: strong and growing
- Denmark: Europe’s leading badminton nation
- United States: popular as a recreational and backyard game, with a smaller competitive scene
The top badminton countries
| Country | Why badminton is big there |
|---|---|
| China | A deep national training system and the most Olympic badminton gold medals of any country |
| Indonesia | Badminton (bulu tangkis) is one of the country’s most loved sports; its first Olympic gold medals came in badminton in 1992 |
| Malaysia | Huge public following; Thomas Cup winners in the competition’s early years |
| India | Rapid growth since the 2010s, with Olympic medals in women’s singles and a strong men’s doubles era |
| Japan | Consistent world champions in singles and doubles since the 2010s |
| South Korea | Long tradition of doubles excellence |
| Thailand | A string of world-class players, especially in women’s singles |
| Denmark | Europe’s strongest nation, with Olympic champions in men’s singles |
| Taiwan (Chinese Taipei) | Olympic men’s doubles champions in 2020 and 2024 |
Why is badminton so popular in Asia?
- Space and climate: it can be played indoors, all year round, in a small space, which suits dense cities and hot or rainy climates.
- Low cost: a racket and shuttles are affordable, and courts are common in schools and community halls.
- Heroes: world and Olympic champions inspire national followings and big TV audiences.
- Strong school and club systems that identify and train young players.
How popular is badminton worldwide?
Exact participation figures vary by source, but estimates of recreational players worldwide run into the hundreds of millions, and the Badminton World Federation has around 200 member associations. At the Olympics it draws large TV audiences, particularly in Asia. Learn more about the governing body in what is the BWF.
How popular is badminton in the US?
In the US, badminton is best known as a backyard and school PE game. Competitive play is concentrated in areas with large badminton communities, such as California, the Pacific Northwest, Texas and the north-east, often around dedicated badminton centres. Pickleball has grown faster recently; see pickleball vs badminton. USA Badminton is the national governing body.
What season is badminton played?
Badminton is played all year round because it is an indoor sport: wind and weather do not matter. The international tournament calendar (the BWF World Tour) runs from January to December. In the US, school badminton seasons vary by state and district, and backyard badminton is a summer favourite. Clubs usually run through the whole year, sometimes with a summer break.
FAQ
Which country is best at badminton?
China has the strongest overall record, especially at the Olympics. Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Denmark, Malaysia, India, Thailand and Chinese Taipei all have recent world or Olympic champions.
Is badminton popular in Europe?
Yes, particularly in Denmark, and it is widely played recreationally in England, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Scandinavia.
Is badminton the second most popular sport in the world?
You will often see this claim, but figures depend on how participation is counted. It is fair to say badminton is one of the world’s most played sports.
More: history of badminton and how to play badminton.
