tangkis

Tangkis, known internationally as badminton, is a fast-paced racquet sport played on a rectangular court divided by a net. Players strike a shuttlecock with lightweight racquets to land it in the opponent's half or force an error. It can be played as singles or doubles. A rally ends when the shuttlecock lands out of bounds, fails to clear the net, or a fault is committed.

History: The game originated in 19th-century British India as Poona. British officers brought it to England, where it gained popularity at Badminton House in Gloucestershire, giving the sport its name. The Bath Badminton Club helped codify the rules, and the Badminton Association of England was founded in the late 1800s. The International Badminton Federation (now BWF) was established in 1934, and badminton became Olympic in 1992.

Equipment and court: The shuttlecock has a cork base and feathers or a synthetic skirt; racquets are lightweight, usually graphite. A standard court measures 13.4 meters long; width is 5.18 meters for singles and 6.1 meters for doubles. The net is 1.55 meters high at center. Courts are marked with singles and doubles sidelines and service areas; the shuttle must stay in play above the net.

Organization and competition: The sport is governed internationally by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Major events include the World Championships, the Thomas Cup (men's team), the Uber Cup (women's team), and the Olympic program. The sport enjoys global participation, with particular strength in Asia and Europe, supported by professional tours and national leagues.

Variants and accessibility: Para-badminton is an official discipline under the BWF. Tangkis is commonly played at clubs, schools, and community centers, valued for fitness, coordination, and social engagement. Safety practices include proper warm-up and appropriate equipment use.