Badminton · Interesting Facts
Chapter 6: Quirky Trivia
10 parts · 10 tests · 100 facts · updated 29 October 2026 · markdown
Badminton has produced its share of odd stories, on and off the court. On the International Space Station, Russian cosmonauts played NASA and JAXA astronauts with no net, no court and no score, and without gravity the shuttle flew straight until it hit something. Back on Earth, rain came through the roof on the first day of the 2025 Malaysia Open, water reached courts two and three, a rally was voided and several matches moved to the next day. In New Delhi in January 2026, birds and a monkey interrupted play, and in Vietnam a ceiling fell after players had left on spotting dust.
Rules have caused stories too. In 2011 the BWF announced rule 19.2 of its General Competition Regulations on women's dress; critics called it sexist, Tine Baun said dress should be a personal choice, and the Council shelved it the same year. Scoring trials came and went, including seven-point games known as the 5 x 7 system and the 3 x 11 format. The other Badminton, the Badminton Horse Trials in South Gloucestershire, began in 1949, started by the 10th Duke of Beaufort after Britain had done poorly in eventing at the 1948 Olympics.
The facts below cover badminton in space, rain indoors, birds and a monkey in Delhi, the skirt rule, the scoring trials, Lin Dan's stormy moments, the Horse Trials, the 2021 All England withdrawal, Sir George Thomas's oddities and officials' funny moments.
6.61Badminton in Space
A game on the International Space Station with no net and no score.
Test 1Badminton in spaceTake a test
Russian cosmonauts played NASA and JAXA astronauts.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · recall
JAXA is Japan's space agency.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · recall
Without gravity the shuttle flies straight until it hits something.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · recall
They anchored themselves inside a larger module.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · recall
There was no court to land in.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · recall
No score was kept.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · recall
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa was among the visitors.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · recall
With no gravity, the shuttle keeps going until something stops it.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · recall
February 2018, November 2021, December 2021.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · recall
They kept no score.
Source: BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021) · applied
6.62Rain Indoors
Water from the roof stops play at the 2025 Malaysia Open.
Test 1Rain indoorsTake a test
It was on the first day of the event.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · recall
Water reached courts two and three.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · recall
His opponent was Brian Yang of Canada.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · recall
The rally in play was voided.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · recall
The BWF moved several matches to the following day.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · recall
Heavy rain and wind from a thunderstorm made it worse.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · recall
It sent staff and contractors overnight.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · recall
7-8 January 2025.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · recall
All within the first two days.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · recall
It happened at the 2025 Malaysia Open.
Source: Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025) · applied
6.63Birds, a Monkey and a Ceiling
Uninvited guests in Delhi and a falling ceiling in Vietnam.
Test 1Birds, a monkey and a ceilingTake a test
It happened more than once that week.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · recall
Play was stopped while it was cleared.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · recall
Organisers promised 'no monkey business' at the worlds there.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · recall
It is the venue of the 2026 World Championships too.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · recall
A BWF official described the work.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · recall
Nobody was hurt; players had left after spotting falling dust.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · recall
A player noticed dust coming down first.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · recall
The fixes came after the January 2026 event.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · recall
About 5 grams, about 300 grams, about 40 square metres of plaster.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · recall
It was played in New Delhi in January 2026.
Source: National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open) · applied
6.64The Skirt Rule of 2011
A dress rule that was announced, delayed and dropped.
Test 1The skirt rule of 2011Take a test
It was rule 19.2 of the General Competition Regulations.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · recall
Critics called it sexist.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · recall
Players and officials across Asia objected.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · recall
Danish star Tine Baun said dress should be a personal choice.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · recall
Deputy president Paisan Rangsikitpho said women were not being made objects.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · recall
The negative reaction forced the delay.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · recall
It said a wider review, including men's dress, would follow.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · recall
All in 2011.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · recall
Before 2011, then spring 2011, then the Qingdao meeting.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · recall
The BWF Council shelved it in 2011.
Source: Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management · applied
6.65Short-Lived Scoring Trials
Seven-point games, a rally-point test and a five-game idea.
Test 1Short-lived scoring trialsTake a test
It was called the 5 x 7 system.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · recall
The old three-game format returned that summer.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · recall
Women's events went to 11.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · recall
It was the 3 x 11 format.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · recall
The test ended in May 2006.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · recall
It was a trial only.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · recall
From 14-all two clear points are needed, but at 20-all the 21st point wins.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · recall
2001, August 2002, December 2005, August 2006.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · recall
7, 11 and 15.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · recall
It was a best-of-five format.
Source: IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027) · applied
6.66Lin Dan's Stormy Moments
A final in Seoul, a yellow card and a racket bag that was not allowed in.
Test 1Lin Dan's stormy momentsTake a test
Lee won 4-21, 23-21, 25-23.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · recall
Officials had to separate the coaches.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · recall
Zhong Bo was Lin Dan's own coach.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · recall
He had protested a line call.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · recall
Only the league sponsor's logos were allowed.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · recall
He left the bag behind.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · recall
His club, Qingdao, was fined.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · recall
2008, 2015, 2017.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · recall
Lin Dan lost from a game up.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · recall
His bag had carried another sponsor's logo.
Source: South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017) · applied
6.67The Other Badminton
Horses, not shuttles: the Badminton Horse Trials.
Test 1The other BadmintonTake a test
It is the Badminton Horse Trials.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · recall
The 10th Duke of Beaufort started them.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · recall
Britain had done poorly in eventing at the 1948 Olympics.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · recall
They came from Britain and Ireland.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · recall
Royal riders took part in later years.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · recall
Only a handful of events in the world hold that level.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · recall
It is in South Gloucestershire.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · recall
1948, 1949, 1953.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · recall
15, 16 and 22.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · recall
It began in 1949.
Source: Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life · applied
6.68The 2021 Withdrawal
A flight, an alert and a team out of the All England.
Test 1The 2021 All England withdrawalTake a test
Their opponents were given walkovers.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · recall
NHS Test and Trace ordered them to isolate.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · recall
UK law made the decision final.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · recall
It landed on 13 March 2021.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · recall
She had to isolate as well.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · recall
Badminton England's request for exemptions failed.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · recall
The rest were not on the list.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · recall
13 March, then 17 March.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · recall
10, 20 and 24.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · recall
It was a legal requirement in England.
Source: BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021) · applied
6.69Sir George Thomas Oddities
Chess with prisoners, a desert march and a cup drawn in a hotel.
Test 1Sir George Thomas odditiesTake a test
He beat 28 before the 29th held him up.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
He served as an army officer.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
He was also a stickler for punctuality.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
He later became a chess International Master.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
The final came the next February.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
It was held in the Queen's Hall.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Sir George presented the cup to the captain, Lim Chuan Geok.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
Age 15 (1896), the First World War, 1948, 1949.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
28, 29 and over 240.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · recall
The last game held him up.
Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org) · applied
6.70Officials' Funny Moments
Deflating chairs, rolling coins and a sleeping service judge.
Test 1Officials' funny momentsTake a test
Umpires re-pumped them four or five times a match.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · recall
It can end up stuck under a net post.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · recall
Every player has a bad moment.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · recall
Everyone jumped, then laughed.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · recall
Players fetched new shuttles themselves.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · recall
Once scissors were needed to free a player.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · recall
Some have tripped over cables and boards.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · recall
Each step has its own funny stories.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · recall
One umpire climbed down still clipped to the microphone.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · recall
It had to be pumped up several times a match.
Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net) · applied
Questions people ask
- Has badminton been played in space?
- Yes, on the International Space Station, where Russian cosmonauts played NASA and JAXA astronauts. There was no court and no score, and the shuttle flew straight until something stopped it.
- What happened when rain stopped play at the Malaysia Open?
- On the first day of the 2025 event water from the roof reached courts two and three. The rally in play was voided and the BWF moved several matches to the following day.
- What was the 2011 badminton skirt rule?
- Rule 19.2 of the General Competition Regulations set a dress rule for women players. After critics called it sexist and players across Asia objected, the BWF Council shelved it in 2011.
- What was the 5 x 7 scoring system?
- A short-lived trial of games to seven points. The old three-game format returned afterwards.
- Is the Badminton Horse Trials connected to the sport?
- Only by name: it is a horse event in South Gloucestershire, started in 1949 by the 10th Duke of Beaufort after Britain's poor eventing at the 1948 Olympics.
- Why was a team withdrawn from the 2021 All England?
- After their flight landed on 13 March 2021, NHS Test and Trace ordered them to isolate. It was a legal requirement in England, a request for exemptions failed and their opponents were given walkovers.
- Why was Lin Dan's club fined over a racket bag?
- His bag carried another sponsor's logo when only the league sponsor's logos were allowed. He left the bag behind, and his club, Qingdao, was fined.
Sources
Primary/official sources only, no Wikipedia citations: the BWF and its continental confederations, national federations, the All England Club history, the Olympic Channel and Olympedia, Guinness World Records, museums, makers' own histories and named reputable media.
- BGR, 'Russian cosmonauts and American astronauts played the first ever sporting event in space' (February 2018); Inverse (2018); ESA, Matthias Maurer's Cosmic Kiss mission blog (December 2021)10
- Malay Mail and Bernama reports on the Axiata Arena roof leak (7-8 January 2025); The Bridge, 'HS Prannoy Malaysia Open match suspended due to roof leakage'; BWF statement (January 2025)10
- National Herald, Republic World and Business Recorder (AFP) reports on the India Open 2026; Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' (ceiling collapse at the Vietnam Open)10
- Badzine, 'BWF: skirts are the issue' (March 2011); Deseret News and Fox Sports (AP), May 2011; BWF Council decision at Qingdao (June 2011), reported by Australasian Leisure Management10
- IBF announcements reported by Dawn (May 2002) and worldbadminton.com (2001); Badminton Planet, 'BAM prefers the 21x3 scoring system' (2014); BWF Laws of Badminton V6.0 (2027)10
- South China Morning Post, 'Super Dan in hot water after clash' (2008); China Daily (2008); Badminton Planet reports on the China Badminton Super League (2015, 2017)10
- Badminton Horse Trials, official history (badminton-horse.co.uk); Horse & Rider UK; Royal Collection Trust, 'The Royal Family at the Badminton Horse Trials'; Country Life10
- BWF, 'Statement on withdrawal of Turkish and Indonesian players' (18 March 2021); Tempo English (March 2021); Kompas (19 March 2021); Badminton Planet (2021)10
- Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org)10
- Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net)10