The first-ever badminton doubles match was played in space. The commander of the 54th Space expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), Alexander Misurkin, loves badminton and arranged to play while floating around 400 km above the earth.
Can you imagine what it is like to play badminton with no gravity? How fun would that be? Now we know as Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin merged his two passions, badminton and space. He says that badminton is not just a sport for him, but also his lifestyle.
The match was without a net, but they almost worked out a set of rules for the space conditions. They are rightly proud of this historic moment.
-For me, the achievement equals putting a flag on Mars.
Why exactly badminton?
-Because I love it. Badminton is unique. Unlike many other sports, badminton has a mixed category, which allows men and women, boys and girls to play together. Unlike for example tennis, badminton does not require long-enduring preparation to play as a beginner. Playing badminton, you train the cardio-respiratory system, eyesight, you develop speed and stamina, reactions. Badminton is one of the most energy-consuming sports, Misurkin explains.
In terms of accessibility, it’s true. All you need is a good group of friends, a court, a shuttle and a racket.
A healthy lifestyle
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a human's well-being is 50 per cent dependant on lifestyle. An active lifestyle and physical exercise help to minimise the risk of different diseases.
-There are seven billion people on our planet, and every seventh person plays badminton. Maybe we should as well. See you on a badminton court.