Olympic Sport
Badminton premiered as a full-medal Olympic sport at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain was again featured at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. At the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000, badminton continues as a full medal sport.

International Games
Olympics, Thomas and Uber Cups (World Team Championships for men and women, respectively held every year), World Championships (held every other year), Sudirman Cup (World Mixed Team Championships, held every other year), Pan American Games (every four years), U.S. Open.

Professional or Amateur
The International Badminton Federation's World Grand Prix Circuit, started in the 1980's, turned a primarily amateur sport into a professional one. The highest paying Grand Prix tournament, the U.S. Open, awards $200,000 in prize money. The Grand Prix Finals, a tournament of Champions, has a purse of $35,000.

International Association
International Badminton Federation (IBF) headquarters in Gloucestershire, England. Established in 1934.

Badminton's Beginning
Modern badminton began as 'poona' in India. In the 1860's it was adopted by British Army Officers stationed in India. The officers took the game back to England, where it became a success at a party given by the Duke of Beaufort at his estate called 'Badminton' in Gloucestershire.

Fastest Sports
Badminton is one of the fastest racket sports, requiring quick reflexes and superb conditioning. In a badminton smash, the shuttlecock has been timed at speeds over 200 m.p.h. in top international competition.

Aerobic Sport
Badminton is a highly aerobic sport which can be played throughout one's lifetime. In a typical two-game match, a player runs approx. one mile.