Here's a breakdown:
* Origins in India: A game called "battledore and shuttlecock" was played in India as early as the 2nd century BC. This involved hitting a shuttlecock with a battledore (a flat wooden racket).
* Development in England: In the 18th century, British officers stationed in India adopted the game and developed it into a more structured sport, adding rules and incorporating elements from other racket sports.
* Modernization in the 19th century: The name "badminton" was adopted in 1873, referencing Badminton House, the estate of the Duke of Beaufort where the game was played. By the late 19th century, the sport was established in England with a set of standardized rules.
* Global spread: Badminton quickly gained popularity beyond England, spreading throughout Europe and later to Asia and other continents.
Today, badminton is a global sport, enjoyed and played competitively in numerous countries. While its origins are linked to India and its formalization to England, badminton has become a sport that transcends cultural boundaries.