Badminton is one of the few sports where men and women play together.  It is a game for all ages and abilities, and although fitness is a key aspect for professional players, it is not a prerequisite for taking up the sport.  These factors make it the ideal sport for families and friends of all walks of life to play together.  It can also be a wonderful way to meet new friends through local clubs and sports centres.

After s0ccer, badminton is the world's most popular sport (I read this somewhere.  I can't validate this claim, but... I'll go along with it!).  It is most popular in south-east Asia, where many children learn to play badminton at school.  It is also the fastest racket sport in the world - the shuttle reach speeds in excess of 200km/hr.

It's a fantastic sport, why not give it a try - one billion people can't be wrong!

For information on where you can play locally you should contact your national badminton association. They can also help with information on coaching and physical training queries. Click here for details of all national badminton associations.