Badminton in Malaysia: Its brief history
In 1992, Malaysia made history by winning international badminton championship, Thomas Cup. It was Malaysia's first Thomas Cup in 25 years. And the record lasts to this day. Apart from Thomas Cup championships, Malaysia has since then won numerous notable badminton championships worldwide. Our country is also known to have produced many world-class badminton players. Names like Datuk Lee Chong Wei, Goh V Shem, Tan Wee Kiong and the Sidek brothers are pretty much synonymous with the Badminton scene in Malaysia.
Badminton in Malaysia has come a long way since its first introduction in 1809, brought to the shores of the then Peninsular Malaya by officers of the East India Company in Penang. British continued the effort by promoting Badminton through missionary schools in Penang, Melaka, Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore at the beginning of the 20th century. The reception was remarkably encouraging. This later resulted in the formation of the first Badminton Association in Penang in 1925. Countless badminton teams, small and big, were subsequently created through schools and colleges since.
Why Badminton?
Because Badminton is more than just a sport. Badminton has since become part of our tradition. Badminton is about instilling good values, besides fostering relationships among its participants. The sport is often played on a rectangular court, indoors or outdoors. Notwithstanding, where one chooses to play isn't really an issue here. Some people found it more relaxing to play them on a beach or on the front lawn. The sport begins when players, singles or doubles, hit a shuttlecock across the net with a racquet. The point is scored when either player on either side failed to return a shot. The latest scoring system is now decidedly based on the 21 points.
Much like any other sports, Badminton, too, offers an impressive amount of benefits. How can the sport be beneficial to the children, mentally and physically? Any sports that require any amount of human exertion is to an extent beneficial for our body and mind, Badminton included. What's more, Badminton has no clear-cut age limits, it can be played by almost anyone with a racquet.
When taking part in a badminton sport, children are encouraged to learn its set of rules. These rules are intended to inculcate prudence, self-discipline, and self-restraint among its participants. Or, disregard the rules if one intends to play it for fun. Reaping the benefits of its physical, mental and social health is far doable when one really enjoys doing it.
Benefits
1) Physical fitness
Because Badminton is more than just a sport. Badminton has since become part of our tradition. Badminton is about instilling good values, besides fostering relationships among its participants. The sport is often played on a rectangular court, indoors or outdoors. Notwithstanding, where one chooses to play isn't really an issue here. Some people found it more relaxing to play them on a beach or on the front lawn. The sport begins when players, singles or doubles, hit a shuttlecock across the net with a racquet. The point is scored when either player on either side failed to return a shot. The latest scoring system is now decidedly based on the 21 points.
2) Psychological
All exercises are known to stimulate endorphins, Badminton included. Endorphins are good simply because they can improve mood and sleep. When one's mood and sleep are in order, your stress and anxiety level are low. The more you exercise, the happier you get.
3) Social
Badminton requires at least two players. A child, therefore, would need to find another person to play with. This will encourage them to socialise more and learn to maintain relationships. Much like other sports, Badminton is also able to help strengthen and enrich one's friendship and social life. It helps kids socialise better with real people.
4) Flexibility and Convenience
Badminton can be played anywhere, provided the venue is bright enough for its players to see where the shuttlecock goes. The best place to play Badminton is, of course, on an indoor Badminton court. Suppose one can't afford to rent an indoor court, play them anywhere outdoors. It doesn't really matter. It's its physical movement that counts.
5) Prevent Onset of Myopia in Children
According to Professor Saw Seang Mei, playing outdoors for two to three hours a day, regardless of what sports s/he is playing, may help prevent the onset of myopia in children.
Conclusion
Badminton is one the best choices for any parents out there who are looking to spend some quality time with their kids. Racquets and shuttlecocks are affordable and are far cheaper than most smart handheld devices. Having bought the racquets and the shuttlecocks, what you can do next as a parent is, make an effort to get involved, play together with your children, hold family games from time to time, and gently teach them the ins and outs of Badminton sport as you go along. Lastly, don't forget to have fun!.
