# Chapter 6: Quirky Trivia

Badminton · Chapter 6: Quirky Trivia · Insporta Book (https://book.insporta.app/badminton/interesting-facts/chapter-6-quirky-trivia/)

Badminton in space, rain indoors, birds and a monkey in Delhi, the 2011 skirt rule, short-lived scoring trials, Lin Dan's stormy moments, the Badminton Horse Trials, the 2021 All England withdrawal, Sir George Thomas's oddities and officials' funny moments.

## 6.61 Badminton in Space

A game on the International Space Station with no net and no score.

### Test 1: Badminton in space

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

## 6.62 Rain Indoors

Water from the roof stops play at the 2025 Malaysia Open.

### Test 1: Rain indoors

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

## 6.63 Birds, a Monkey and a Ceiling

Uninvited guests in Delhi and a falling ceiling in Vietnam.

### Test 1: Birds, a monkey and a ceiling

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

## 6.64 The Skirt Rule of 2011

A dress rule that was announced, delayed and dropped.

### Test 1: The skirt rule of 2011

- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)

## 6.65 Short-Lived Scoring Trials

Seven-point games, a rally-point test and a five-game idea.

### Test 1: Short-lived scoring trials

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

## 6.66 Lin Dan's Stormy Moments

A final in Seoul, a yellow card and a racket bag that was not allowed in.

### Test 1: Lin Dan's stormy moments

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

## 6.67 The Other Badminton

Horses, not shuttles: the Badminton Horse Trials.

### Test 1: The other Badminton

- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)

## 6.68 The 2021 Withdrawal

A flight, an alert and a team out of the All England.

### Test 1: The 2021 All England withdrawal

- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))
- 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))

## 6.69 Sir George Thomas Oddities

Chess with prisoners, a desert march and a cup drawn in a hotel.

### Test 1: Sir George Thomas oddities

- 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))
- He served as an army officer. (Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org))
- He was also a stickler for punctuality. (Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org))
- He later became a chess International Master. (Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org))
- The final came the next February. (Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org))
- It was held in the Queen's Hall. (Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org))
- 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))
- 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))
- 28, 29 and over 240. (Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org))
- The last game held him up. (Source: Badminton Museum, 'Sir George Thomas - A Legend as a Player, Administrator and Gentleman' (badmintonmuseum.org))

## 6.70 Officials' Funny Moments

Deflating chairs, rolling coins and a sleeping service judge.

### Test 1: Officials' funny moments

- Umpires re-pumped them four or five times a match. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))
- It can end up stuck under a net post. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))
- Every player has a bad moment. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))
- Everyone jumped, then laughed. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))
- Players fetched new shuttles themselves. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))
- Once scissors were needed to free a player. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))
- Some have tripped over cables and boards. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))
- Each step has its own funny stories. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))
- One umpire climbed down still clipped to the microphone. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))
- It had to be pumped up several times a match. (Source: Badzine, 'Official's whistle - funny moments' column (badzine.net))

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.

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