Badminton

RECIPE FOR HAPPINESS: 1 COURT, 2 SIDES, 3 HOURS, AND 4 PLAYERS

Want to try Badminton? In or around Bangkok, or Zürich, or Toronto? I usually play Saturday mornings, Tuesday evenings and sometimes Wednesday evenings too. You are welcome to join (click the icon to drop me a line)

Basics
Equipment
Players
Get inspired

A simple indoor racquet sport that tests (and improves) your alertness, body-mind coordination, spatial presence, speed, endurance and importantly – team work. If you are really into it, you’ll also understand why I think it’s like human chess, only a rapid fire one that improves your decision making under immense pressure.
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One of the 5 major racquet sports, and the only one that doesn’t allow your target to touch the ground. Once played by the Greeks themselves, this sport today involves a lot of science than what meets the eye. There is already a lot content on the internet (see links below), but to generate some interest, here is how it looks:

This can be played in Singles, doubles and mixed-doubles. Like any sport, there are rules – fairly simple to understand and follow (unless it’s a serious competition and chocolate is the prize).
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Trivia: Do you know there is a sibling for Badminton, called ‘Crossminton’. There won't be any net and players use ‘speeders’ (instead of shuttlecocks)

Some useful information:

Comprehensive article on Badminton
Decent video on some basics (I think the music is from 'Office', but nice effort)
If you like to laugh, here is another reason to get into this sport

If you are a beginner or still probing the game, there isn't much that’s asked for. A player needs to have his badminton racquet and a shuttlecock (birdie). Most venues rent racquets, and sell shuttlecocks. This leaves just the 'shoes' on the 'what we need' list.

If you are already enjoying this sport and taking it to next levels, there’s a lot to check – spare racquets, strings, tensions, grips, dress, shoes and what not. But, that’s a topic for later.
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Note: Any small dirt on badminton courts can have a good impact (on you and people who play after you). Please take enough care to keep your shoes clean. Your hosts will thank you for that.

There are lot existing material on greatest players of the game (see links below). Here are a few that I find especially inspiring:
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Ratchanok Intanon: Have you ever seen a face and it reads ‘never give up’? Here is one. Sheer example of passion and 'will' that can take you from nowhere to anywhere

Akane Yamaguchi: Sometimes we win, sometimes not; but what we always do is try our best… constantly

Taufik Hidayat: Most famous for his backhand and modesty, this retired Indonesian legend is still an inspiration to many of my likes

Lee Chong Wei: Perhaps the longest reigning king on the throne, from Malaysia. You probably would like to check his autobiography ‘Dare to be a champion’

Lin Dan: The Chinese muscle that challenged all kings on the court; and perhaps the biggest challenger for Lee, ever

Peter Hoeg Gade: The Viking who conquered the sport with his racquet, almost. Check his reaction times when close to the net

Chen Long: Fun + talent + sportive spirit = Chen. Don’t believe? Check this video

Kevin Sanjaya: Have you ever heard the German word 'Blitzschnell'. See that in action 🙂

Some useful information:

Good summary of current and historical rankings
Very detailed current rankings

Key upcoming events:

15-20 Oct: Denmark Open
05-10 Nov: China Open
12-17 Nov: Hong-Kong Open (not sure if this will take place)
11-15 Dec: BWF Worldtour finals

Badminton is one of the most amazing sports you will ever play. The sport inspires you to be fit, fast, never give up and enjoy the spirit. Here is a nice video on how people are enjoying it out there.

Badminton FUNNY and FAIL Moments Top Player

Watch this video on YouTube.

Want to try Badminton? In or around Zürich? When home in Zürich, I usually play Saturday mornings, Tuesday evenings and sometimes Wednesday evenings too. You are welcome to join (drop me a line thru 'contact me' page)