Ayrton Oneill
Badminton is the second most-played sport in the world, with an estimated 220 million people playing regularly. Asia is home to the majority of these players, with seven out of ten of the most badminton-crazy countries in the world found in the continent. China and South Korea are the two biggest badminton hotspots, but the sport is also popular in Japan, India, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The sport's popularity in Asia is driven by its accessibility to amateurs, media coverage, and the success of Asian badminton stars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people who play badminton in Asia | More than half of the estimated 220 million people who play badminton regularly |
| Number of Asian countries among the 10 most popular badminton-playing countries | 7 out of 10 |
| Countries with the majority of players | China, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, India, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam |
| Popularity of the sport in Asia | Very popular, with players treated like celebrities and extensive media coverage |
| Asian badminton players who have dominated the sport | Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia), various Chinese players |
| Asian badminton tournaments | Badminton Asia Championships, National championships, and other domestic tournaments |
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What You'll Learn
Popularity of badminton in Asia
Badminton is the second most played sport in the world, with an estimated 220 million people playing it regularly. Asia is home to the majority of these players, with China and South Korea at the top of the list. In fact, seven out of the ten most popular badminton-playing countries are in Asia.
There are several reasons for the sport's popularity in Asia. Firstly, it is widely accessible through school programs and recreational facilities. The equipment is affordable, and the sport can be played indoors, making it accessible in all weather conditions. Badminton also has different levels of intensity, making it suitable for people of all ages and skill levels, whether they are seeking a serious competitive sport or a relaxing hobby. The sport's popularity in Asia can also be attributed to the success of Asian badminton players on the world stage. Asia has dominated badminton at the Olympics, with players from the continent consistently winning medals and reaching the finals. This has generated a lot of interest in the sport, with many aspiring to achieve fame and success through badminton.
The media coverage of badminton in Asia also plays a significant role in its popularity. Top badminton players in Asia are treated like celebrities, with their every move followed by journalists and lucrative advertising deals. National championships and domestic tournaments receive extensive air time, further fueling the popularity of the sport.
The roots of badminton can be traced back to British India, which may also explain its widespread adoption in the region. Today, India is experiencing the fastest growth in badminton, second only to cricket. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore have institutions dedicated to the sport, and it is gaining traction throughout the country.
With its growing popularity, dominant players, and passionate fan base, badminton is a beloved sport in Asia that continues to thrive and attract new players.
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Top-performing Asian badminton players
Badminton is the second most-played sport in the world, with an estimated 220 million people playing it regularly. The majority of these players are based in Asia, particularly in China and South Korea. The sport is also popular in Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Asia is home to seven of the ten most badminton-crazy countries.
Asia's top badminton players are treated like celebrities and are widely popular. They earn lucrative advertising contracts, promoting various products ranging from sports clothing to chewing gum. National championships and other domestic tournaments are given plenty of air time, far more than the coverage badminton would receive in European countries or the USA.
China is the top-performing nation in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships. Chinese players have won 61 gold medals, 42 silver medals, and 64 bronze medals. In 1987, 2010, and 2011, all of the awards went to players from China, a feat referred to as a "shutout". China has been the top-performing country in the Badminton Championships since 1977.
Indonesia is the second-best-performing country in the World Badminton Championships. Since 1977, Indonesian players have won 21 gold, 17 silver, and 33 bronze medals. Two of the most successful players in the world, Hendra Setiawan and Lilyana Natsir, are Indonesian and have won three gold medals each.
South Korea is the fourth-best-performing country in the World Badminton Championships. The country has won 10 gold and 13 silver medals. Park Joo-bong, one of the most successful players in the world, is from South Korea and has won five gold medals in his lifetime.
Some of the top-performing Asian badminton players include:
- Lin Dan (China): Two-time Olympic gold medallist, five-time World championship gold medallist, two-time World Cup champion, five-time Sudirman Cup gold medallist, six-time Thomas Cup gold medallist, two-time Asian games gold medallist, four-time Asian Champion, and six-time All England champion.
- Chen Long (China): 2016 Olympic champion, two-time World champion, and Asian champion. Known for his endurance, ability to dictate rallies, and resolute defence.
- Liu Yuchen (China): Men's doubles World Champion in 2018, two-time Asian Champion in 2017 and 2018, and silver medallist at the 2020 Summer Olympics.
- Lee Chong Wei (Malaysia): Three-time Olympic silver medallist.
- Shi Yuqi (China): Ranked No. 1 in the world in men's badminton as of May 2025.
- An Seyoung (South Korea): Ranked No. 1 in the world in women's badminton as of May 2025.
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Asian countries with the most badminton players
Badminton is the second most played sport in the world, with an estimated 220 million people playing regularly. Of these, a majority are in Asia, with China and South Korea having the most players. China has over 100 million players and has been dominating the world championships, with 167 medals overall. This is due to a number of factors such as affordable equipment, self-determined levels of intensity, ease of learning the basics, and the availability of indoor courts. The Chinese government also supports its players in terms of housing, food, and training programs.
Other Asian countries with a high number of badminton players include Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Japan, and Singapore. In Malaysia, it is easy to find badminton courts anywhere, even in public parks. Indonesia is the only country that has badminton as its national sport, and it has produced many top international players. India has also seen a surge in popularity with the success of Indian shuttlers like Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu. Japan is expected to challenge other Asian countries for top Olympic medals, and Singapore has joined the podium alongside China, Indonesia, and South Korea in recent years.
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Asian championships
Badminton is the second most played sport in the world. Of the estimated 220 million people who play badminton regularly, the majority live in Asia, particularly in China and South Korea. Asia is also home to seven of the ten most popular badminton-playing countries in the world. China, in particular, has seen a surge in the sport's popularity in recent years, with badminton becoming the country's most popular sport. This surge in popularity has been attributed to a range of factors, including affordable equipment, self-determined levels of intensity, ease of learning the basics, and the availability of indoor courts that allow for play regardless of the weather.
The Badminton Asia Championships is a prestigious tournament that showcases the talent and dominance of Asian players in the sport. This championship has produced notable Asian champions and world champions, with China, Indonesia, and Korea among the top-performing countries.
The success and popularity of badminton in Asia are evident in the media coverage the sport receives. National championships and domestic tournaments are given significant air time, and top players are treated like celebrities, with their moves followed by journalists and lucrative advertising contracts. Asia has produced some of the world's best badminton players, including Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia, a three-time Olympic silver medalist, and the Chinese players who, despite facing expulsion from the London 2012 Olympic Games, have consistently dominated the sport.
The sport's popularity in Asia has also sparked concerns about the viability of badminton at the highest level, with authorities hoping that fresh competition from other countries will spur on a new generation of talented players. Japan is one country expected to challenge other Asian nations for top Olympic medals, ensuring that the future of badminton in Asia remains bright and competitive.
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Media coverage of badminton in Asia
Badminton is the second most-played sport in the world, with an estimated 220 million people playing regularly. Of these, the majority are based in Asia, particularly in China and South Korea. The sport is also popular in Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan.
The media coverage of badminton in Asia is a significant factor in its popularity. Top players are treated like celebrities, with their lives followed and documented by journalists. They also benefit from lucrative advertising contracts, promoting a range of products. National championships and domestic tournaments receive a lot of airtime, more so than in Europe or the USA.
The retirement of Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia's biggest sports star and a three-time Olympic silver medalist, made front-page news across Asia in 2019. Other Asian players have also been the focus of media attention, including eight players expelled from the London 2012 Olympic Games for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
Badminton's status as an Olympic event has propelled it onto the world stage and boosted its appeal. The sport is accessible to amateurs due to affordable equipment, adaptable levels of intensity, and the ease of learning the basics. These factors have contributed to its popularity in Asia, where it is played recreationally and competitively.
While badminton enjoys extensive media coverage in Asia, there is a recognition that the region's dominance in the sport may hinder its growth. The emergence of new talent from other countries is expected to challenge the traditional Asian powerhouses and create more competitive and skilful tournaments.
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Frequently asked questions
Badminton is the second most played sport in the world with an estimated 220 million people playing regularly. A majority of these players are in Asia, particularly in China and South Korea.
The sport's accreditation as an Olympic event in 1992 boosted its global appeal. Asia's top badminton players are treated like celebrities, with their every move being documented by journalists. National championships and other domestic tournaments are also given a lot of air time. The sport is easily accessible to amateurs due to its affordable equipment, self-determined levels of intensity, ease of learning the basics, and indoor courts that allow for play in all weather conditions.
China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan are all home to some of the world's best badminton players. China, in particular, has dominated the sport in recent years, with their national team head coach, Li Yongbo, expressing happiness over the surge in recreational badminton players.
The Badminton Asia Championships is a major tournament that aims to crown the best badminton players in Asia. The tournament started in 1962 and has been held annually since 1991.
Seven out of the 10 most popular badminton-playing countries are in Asia.
