Why do people think that badminton isn't a sport?

Question

I get that feed back a lot.

Answer 1

Ignorance is why. Badminton is pretty tough.

Answer 2

For the most part, it's because very few people have played it and fewer have played competitively...they think it's a 'backyard' game. Part of it depends on the region - in Asia, for example, badminton is a much bigger sport, much more popular and serious.

Another reason is that in the US, badminton is usually only a sport for girls, at least in the school system. On the teams in Arizona, even if guys chose to be on the team, they were automatically at the bottom of the ladder and were only allowed to play if the opposing team gave permission, and never for 'credit'...only after Varsity and JV, if there was time. Teams that are for girls only rarely get the attention and respect that they deserve, unfortunately. (On the other hand, everytime the boys basketball team started making fun of us while we were practicing, one or two of the varsity players could kick the heck out of them in five minutes.)

Also, in schools, the season is very short and overlaps with Volleyball - generally a much more popular sport. Badminton season only lasts from late August/early September through the end of October.

Basically, badminton is just not very publicized or understood. School teams often don't get any recognition unless they win - unlike 'football' or any of the other cliche sports, badminton often has to fight for funding and gym space unless they win a state title. Unfortunately, too few people understand that the training for badminton is just as brutal as almost any sport, especially if it's done competitively.

Luckily, the rest of us know the truth - keep spreading the word ;)

Answer 3

badminton is fun

Answer 4

because it isn't