Are you inspired by Loh Kean Yew’s win but aren’t able to book badminton courts? Here’s how you can play badminton outdoors and be a part of an unprecedented record-setting event on the National Stadium’s grounds!
Badminton can be traced back to the ancient civilisations of China, India and Greece, where players used primitive versions of rackets to keep shuttlecocks in the air. Before the first unofficial all-England badminton championships for men were held in 1899, historical records note British army officers engaging in games of poona in India in the 1960s, which is an early evolution of modern badminton.
What is AirBadminton?
AirBadminton can be played one-on-one, two-on-two or three-on-three. However, the same player cannot hit the shuttlecock twice in succession. Like in regular badminton, players volley a shuttlecock over a net and if you manage to land the shuttlecock outside your opponent’s area of play, you earn a point. However, the plastic shuttlecock in AirBadminton is more wind-resistant and heavier than the conventional feather-tipped shuttlecock, and is called an AirShuttle. The game of AirBadminton comprises a best of 5 sets to 11 points. If the score reaches 10-all, a two-point advantage is required, and if the score reaches 12-all, the next point wins. As AirBadminton is designed to be played almost anywhere, you will need just an AirShuttle, rackets and a net (that is sometimes imaginary) to play.
Join a unique sporting marathon
If you haven’t experienced the exhilaration of AirBadminton, head to Singapore Sports Hub during the weekend of 25 to 27 February 2022 for the Sports Hub Sports Series: AirBadminton Marathon! At this unique event, the AirBadminton Marathon will be the first AirBadminton event held under the dome of the National Stadium.
After a safely distanced AirBadminton session in the company of hundreds of other sports enthusiasts, attendees are invited to take part in a lucky draw on Saturday, 26 February—the more successful hits you score, the more chances of winning you will get. On Sunday, 27 February, participants will also enjoy gift token giveaways according to how many successful hits they score.
Pro tips
If you’d like to improve your AirBadminton skills before this event, here are a few simple things you can do: Keep your AirShuttle in the air by bouncing it successively on your racket, which will help you improve your control. Next, volley your AirShuttle with a partner, which will help you level up your mastery of control, while enhancing your mobility and range of motion. Don’t forget to warm up and cool down! If you have time, watch how the pros play. You can also ask an experienced player to observe your footwork and give you feedback.
Besides being able to watch and be inspired by the pros at the AirBadminton Marathon, you’ll also be able to meet like-minded enthusiasts. Book your tickets here.
