Many people in US like tennis, to me badminton is just as exciting, why doesn't people here like to watch this game? I can barely play either game myself, so this is from a spectator perspective.
I played badminton a while back. It's harder than it looks. I pong a lot so I often find myself trying to spin the shuttlecock with a nice slice and it goes nowhere. A lot of Indians play at the UH Rec when I was there. Never played there tho because as far as I was concerned they're taking up basketball area
People in the USA worship other people, stars, heroes, etc... There is/was no one to worship in Badminton so no one cares.
My friends and I played badminton often as teenagers. Very taxing. Will bring you to your knees in no time. I played tennis also but badminton was much more exhausting (and fun). Most Americans just don't get it, especially men. They think it's a "sissy" sport. I've been teased by people after telling them how much fun it is.
The only people who plays here are international students as well, but if you watch the badminton on live coverage, that really take skills and stamina to play the game at the top level, those guys are amazing.
If you can have some competitive matches with your friends in the backyard at a young age, then I think u can appreciate the fun of it. But how often does that happen these days is the question. Probably not much. There's no video game either. There used to be Olympic video games and arcade games which helped a lot, but you barely see that anymore for some reason. Yet, I would probably buy one right now if it was available.
I remember taking a badminton course in college (30+ years ago) and being paired with this huge d-lineman from the football team. He was this huge beast of guy, but as laid back as could be; it was the 70's after all. We were a two-man team and we would have him play up close at the net just intimidating people with his "war face" and menacing presence. We dominated. It was hilarious.
I've watched professional athletes represent their countries live. The Chinese are something else. Very intense match. I don't know how they can have such quick reflexes because when I play, sometimes my eyes can't follow when the smash is hard. I've played with older (40-50's) brehs and they are really good. They can do that backhand smash with a flick of their wrist. I looked stupid chasing around the shuttlecock with my basketball shoes thinking I'd school these old dudes. But speaking of popularity, it's hard to find a proper court to play badminton. When you try playing outdoors, the wind messes things up. I guess that's why nobody cares.
Maybe it is just a culture thing, no one plays it so no one cares, repeat cycle. I just think it is exciting and a many ways similar to tennis.
You guys complaining about them taking up your basketball courts may want to find a gym farther away from Bellaire and Gessner.
If you have a hard time convincing people to like Tennis, you're gonna have an even harder time convincing them of Badminton. Badminton is just not a flashy sport, and it's also not really an "American" sport (see: Soccer, etc.) It's a hard sell. I don't understand why Golf is so liked among men, but sports like Badminton, aren't.
You nailed it. Kids like to have their fun indoors more than ever. I'm surprised there are several people who have commented positively.
It's not a sport, it's a recreational activity. Like golf, bowling, darts, ping pong, pool, croquet, horseshoes, etc. You play badminton at the backyard picnic right before you eat barbecue.
