Badminton
A racquet sport where players hit a shuttlecock across a net.
Badminton was first played in 1873 in England, with its origins coming directly from the Indian sport of poona.
It was first played in Australia in 1874. 1935 saw the creation of Australia’s nation badminton body, the Australian Badminton Association. 1
Discover more about badminton through the Clearinghouse evidence base:
- Modified Sports - adaptations that make badminton more inclusive and accessible.
- Australian Sport History - history and Hall of Fame information about badminton.
Evolution:
- Australian Badminton Association [1935-2017]
- Badminton Australia [2017-]
Participation
An estimated 410,000 Australians [aged 15+] participated in badminton at least once in 2024. 2
An estimated 40,000 Australian children [aged 0-14] participated in badminton at least once in 2024. 2
An estimated 170,500 Australian women [aged 15+] and an estimated 237,000 Australian men [aged 15+] participated in badminton at least once in 2024. 2
Explore further participation statistics for badminton through the AusPlay online portal., opens in a new tab
Governing body
Badminton Australia, opens in a new tab is the organisation recognised by government at all levels as the National controlling body for the sport of badminton in Australia.
REFERENCES
- Our History, opens in a new tab, Badminton Australia, (accessed 15 January 2026)
- AusPlay Data Portal: Participation by activity, opens in a new tab, Australian Sports Commission, (accessed 15 October 2025)
Documents
The Clearinghouse for Sport has sought permission from relevant organisations for the inclusion of their documents in this archive. Copyright ownership remains vested with the organisation and as such permission from the copyright owner should be sought if you wish to communicate, adapt or reproduce these documents.
- Badminton Australia Annual Report 2022-2023[PDF • 7.79 mb]
- Badminton Australia Annual Report 2020-2021[PDF • 4.53 mb]
- Badminton Australia Annual Report 2019-2020[PDF • 11.14 mb]
- Australian Badminton Association 46th Annual Report and Balance Sheet[PDF • 1.78 mb]
- Badminton Australia Strategic Plan 2025-2028[PDF • 7.76 mb]
- Badminton Australia Strategic Plan 2021-2024[PDF • 6.04 mb]
