Question

Games employing shuttlecocks have been played for centuries across Eurasia, but the modern game of badminton developed in the early-19th century among the British as a variant of the earlier game of battledore and __________.

A. Snooker
B. Croquet
C. Squash
D. Tug of War

Answer 1

The early-19th century game of battledore and shuttlecock is the predecessor to modern badminton, with players hitting a shuttlecock back and forth, a practice predating other games and carrying significant cultural history.

Step-by-step explanation:

The modern game of badminton developed in the early 19th century among the British as a variant of the earlier game of battledore and shuttlecock. Unlike games such as snooker, croquet, squash, or tug of war, battledore and shuttlecock involved players hitting a shuttlecock back and forth with rackets, without letting it touch the ground. This game is the direct predecessor to modern badminton. It's worth noting that shuttlecocks had been used in various games for centuries across Eurasia before evolving into the competitive sport we know today.

The historical development of badminton is not only a reflection of the evolution of sports but also of cultural practices and societal influences. As such, sports like badminton can tell us much about the history of human leisure and competition.