Let’s take a trip down memory lane: Imagine yourself back in your fourth-grade gym class. Your PE teacher hands out sleek rackets and light-as-air shuttlecocks, better known as birdies, introducing the day’s activity as “badminton,” a game that may have only been seen in vintage photos. You and your classmates spend 30 minutes trying to volley the birdie back and forth before packing away the equipment when the bell rings. This memory may have faded over time, but fast forward to 2024, when you come across badminton making a comeback on social media.
According to a report from Pinterest, Gen Z and Millennials are driving the resurgence of badminton this year. It’s not just about the sport itself, but the lifestyle it represents: Searches for “badminton racket” and “badminton outfit” have increased by 80 percent, “badminton bag” by 105 percent, and “badminton shoes” by 50 percent. The more specific term “playing badminton aesthetic” has seen a 45 percent rise. The badminton and tennis market is projected to have a 5.85 percent compound annual growth rate through 2031, with a market size of $18.9 billion by 2031, according to Business Research Insights.
Similarly, pickleball, another racket sport, has seen a surge in popularity in recent years. This accessible sport has become a favorite activity and is still the fastest-growing sport, says analyst Chris Beer of market research company GWI. Beer notes that the growth of sports like badminton often stems from exposure on platforms like TikTok, where influencers like @badmintonjack have gained millions of likes.
So, what is it about badminton that has led to its revival and appeal to today’s players? Badminton, a racket sport with two to four players, involves hitting a birdie across a net to score points. The sport is popular worldwide, particularly in Asia, but also has a rich history in the United States. The rise of badminton in the US can be attributed to initiatives like its inclusion in the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, sparking renewed interest.
Badminton offers numerous health benefits, including improvements in heart and lung function. Regularly playing the sport can lead to overall well-being and burn calories. With the sport growing in popularity, efforts to promote it globally have led to increased participation and viewer engagement. Notably, the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles present a significant opportunity to further promote badminton.
While badminton may have taken longer to gain traction in the US compared to other regions, the sport is seeing growth across the country. Initiatives by the Badminton World Federation and local clubs are helping expand awareness and participation in the sport. The future of badminton looks promising, with championships, social media trends, and Olympic aspirations driving its popularity in North America and beyond.
In conclusion, badminton’s resurgence can be attributed to a combination of factors, including social media trends, health benefits, and global initiatives to promote the sport. With its accessibility, appeal to players of all ages, and potential for growth, badminton is poised to continue its upward trajectory in the years to come.
