Source: REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
[Saba Sports News] European badminton has indeed fallen behind in recent years. Historically, badminton originated in Britain, and the All England Open has a nearly century-long legacy. Yet, European teams now have diminishing presence on the international stage. How did the “birthplace” of the sport become a “supporting actor”? The reasons are multifaceted. First, Europe’s smaller population base limits talent pools. Compared to Asian powerhouses like China, Indonesia, and India—where a single province’s population surpasses multiple European nations—selecting elite players from tens of thousands is far harder. For instance, Germany has only about 20,000 badminton players, mostly amateurs playing for fitness, not championships. Second, professionalism is lacking. Many European players are part-timers, juggling training with studies or jobs, and some rely on second careers post-retirement. French singles player Brice Leverdez, for example, lacks a dedicated training venue and practices on borrowed basketball courts. Such conditions hinder full commitment to training. Lastly, commercial support is weak. Badminton lacks major sponsors in Europe, relying mostly on niche brands, unlike tennis’s Rolex or Mercedes-backed tournaments. Prize money is incomparable: tennis events offer millions, while badminton’s rewards are meager. Without financial incentives, top talent stays away.