Our History
Badminton in Australia
Badminton has existed in Australia since at least 1874 with the first recorded club in Perth WA in 1900. The Australian Badminton Association was formed in 1935, one year after the formation of the International Badminton Federation (now known as Badminton World Federation) and shortly after, Australia became their 11th member. In 1987, the Oceania Badminton Confederation was established alongside New Zealand which is now known as Badminton Oceania.
Mid-1800s
Played by British military officers in the 1850’s it was originally called ‘Poona’ after the garrison town in India where they were stationed, now called ‘Pune’
On returning to England, the British officers introduced the game as ‘Battledore’, which became popular among children
The use of a ‘racket’ (without strings originally) and shuttlecock has remained constant throughout
It was originally as a simple ‘keep the shuttle off the ground’ rally rather than the modern-day sport which is trying to get the shuttle to hit the ground
Introduction of a net and court helped to formalise the game
1873
The Duke of Beaufort reportedly introduced the sport at his country estate, “Badminton House” in Gloucestershire. Thus, the sport came to be called Badminton!
1899
The first Badminton Association Tournament was held, initially doubles only at the London Scottish Drill Hall with singles added the following year. This is what would later become the world’s oldest and most prestigious badminton tournament – The All England.
1900's
The first competitive clubs were established in Australia with the first recorded club in Perth, WA
1934
The International Badminton Federation, now known as the Badminton World Federation, was formed with Australia becoming the 11th member shortly after
1935
The Australian Badminton Association was formed on August 13th in Melbourne, now known as Badminton Australia.
Reginald Ede Clendinnen was the founding President and was instrumental in launching the first Ede Clendinnen in that same year.
1948
The Thomas Cup (world men’s team championships) was launched
1956
The Uber Cup (world women’s team championships) was launched
1966
Badminton was first included at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.
• Australia’s first medal was at the 1982 Games in Brisbane, with the home team securing a Bronze.
• Australia’s first Gold was in 1986 in Edinburgh, by Mixed Doubles pair Michael Scandolera and Audrey Tuckey.
The first official competition of the CP Maddern Trophy was launched, named after the then Secretary of South Australian Badminton .
1977
The Badminton World Championships were first hosted in Sweden.
1982
The first Joy Twining Trophy was introduced, awarded to the player of the tournament who exhibits the highest standards of sportsmanship, personality, court demeanour, player ability, determination and appearance.
Mrs Twining was an outstanding player for South Australia, the first female National badminton coach and represented Australia numerous times, including Commonwealth Games. She received the Order of Australia (OAM) and a Meritorious Service Award.
Mrs Twining was an outstanding player for South Australia, the first female National badminton coach and represented Australia numerous times, including Commonwealth Games. She received the Order of Australia (OAM) and a Meritorious Service Award.
1983
The first June Bevan trophy was launched in honour of the former Australian and NSW champion, a dedicated coach and supporter of junior badminton, now known as the June Bevan Australasian Under 17 Championships.
1987
Oceania Badminton Confederation was established alongside New Zealand which is now known as Badminton Oceania.
1992
The Duke of Beaufort reportedly introduced the sport at his country estate, “Badminton House” in Gloucestershire. Thus, the sport came to be called Badminton!
1995
Para badminton makes its debut at the Special Olympics World Summer Games
2005
The Val Nesbitt Trophy was introduced, the first officially recognised National Under 15 Carnival, held in Geelong, Victoria, where twelve teams participated.
Mrs. Val Nesbitt was a dedicated badminton volunteer who began her contribution to the sport at 17 years of age when she joined the Prices of Wales Park Badminton Club in Thornbury.
Mrs. Val Nesbitt was a dedicated badminton volunteer who began her contribution to the sport at 17 years of age when she joined the Prices of Wales Park Badminton Club in Thornbury.
2012
The BWF launches Shuttle Time, the worldwide schools badminton programme.
2018
Badminton Australia hosts the first Para International tournament in Geelong, Victoria.
2020
Para badminton is added as a sport to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo and Australia has 2 athletes representing.
Badminton Australia launches the Falcons as the new brand for the national high-performance teams.
Badminton Australia launches the Falcons as the new brand for the national high-performance teams.
2022
Badminton Australia launches Shuttle Smash, the national introductory program for new participants.
2024
Badminton Australia celebrates our First Nations people by launching indigenous artwork, created by proud Gunditjmara and Tiwi Islander, Kiewa Austin-Rioli. This distinctive masterpiece is a testament to the strength, support, and togetherness that defines the sport of badminton in Australia and included in the national team uniforms.
2025
Badminton Australia achieves Bronze Tier Status in the Pride in Sport Index, showing a commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion and making badminton a welcoming sport for all.
