China's Badminton Market Insights: Rising Popularity and Challenges

Badminton has become the top sport among state - owned enterprises ( SOEs ) in China , with companies offering free court time and professional coaching for employees . It allows workers to play together during off - hours , promoting communication with leaders through the sport . According to the 2023 National Fitness Status Report , badminton is the most participated sport in China , with 250 million amateur players , accounting for 6.9 percent of fitness activities practiced by the public.

The popularity of badminton has led to difficulty in booking courts and rising costs , including an increase in the price of equipment . The arrival of summer vacation has made it even harder to secure court time , with students adding to the number of players . In Beijing , the WeChat group for morning badminton enthusiasts is already active by 6 am , with players forming teams to secure coveted court time through group leader Xu.

As the popularity of badminton continues to soar , court availability has become a major challenge . Reservations are fully booked in Beijing until September , with individual players only able to snag spots between 6 am and 8 am , sharing courts with other players . Prices have also risen , with some courts charging over 220 yuan per hour . Badminton coaching has become increasingly popular among various age groups and skill levels , contributing to the sport 's appeal.

The price of badminton equipment has also started to increase , with shuttlecock prices rising due to the sport 's booming popularity and supply - demand imbalance . Provinces like Guangdong and cities like Guangzhou have a significant number of badminton enthusiasts . JD.com staff revealed a significant increase in the transaction volume of badminton rackets during a shopping festival , with high - end rackets seeing substantial growth . A study published in The Lancet found that racket sports like badminton offer great benefits for physical and mental health , including a reduction in overall mortality rates.

Experts emphasize the easy - to - learn nature of badminton , making it suitable for all ages . The sport lacks physical confrontation , making it safer compared to other sports . Many people organize matches with friends or join badminton clubs , with social networks helping connect badminton enthusiasts . While badminton is suitable for all ages , caution is advised in case of significant shoulder pain and swelling after playing to prevent overuse injuries.