With the longest match recorded at 124 minutes, between Peter Rasmussen of Denmark and Sun Jun of China at the World Championships in 1997, Badminton is an exciting, athletic sport played by over 150 million people worldwide. It also is the fastest racket sport, with the world record for a shot held by Fu Haifeng, at 205 miles per hour. That's faster than the Eurostar travels!

Badminton has its origins in the ancient civilisations of Europe and Asia over 2000 years ago. Versions of the game in the past have included poona, battledore and shuttlecock, and Jeu de Volant. Badminton House, the home of the Duke of Beaufort, is credited with being the formal birthplace of the sport in 1873.Playing opportunities range from social to competitive clubs and competitions, for anyone from beginners to elite players.