Caste and Badminton

Brahmins, the priestly caste, have traditionally been associated with badminton in India.

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) was founded in 1934.

Prakash Padukone was the first Indian to win the All England Open Badminton Championships in 1980.

Saina Nehwal has won two Olympic medals, a bronze in 2012 and a silver in 2016.

Saina Nehwal was ranked number one in the world in 2015.

Pullela Gopichand has won three BWF World Championships titles, in 2001, 2003, and 2005.

Saina Nehwal has won four Commonwealth Games gold medals, in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Saina Nehwal has won two Asian Games gold medals, in 2010 and 2014.

Pullela Gopichand has won four Syed Modi International Badminton Championships titles, in 1996, 1997, 2000, and 2001.

Saina Nehwal has won four India Open Badminton Championships titles, in 2009, 2010, 2015, and 2016.

Saina Nehwal has won three Thailand Open Badminton Championships titles, in 2012, 2013, and 2019.

Prakash Padukone has won two Indonesia Open Badminton Championships titles, in 1980 and 1981.

Prakash Padukone has won two Malaysia Open Badminton Championships titles, in 1980 and 1983.

Saina Nehwal has won two Singapore Open Badminton Championships titles, in 2010 and 2012.

Saina Nehwal has won two Japan Open Badminton Championships titles, in 2015 and 2017.