A Look at Badminton in Canada

When you think of sports in Canada, ice hockey usually comes to mind first. However, gliding quietly under the radar is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions: badminton. From its roots as a backyard pastime brought over by British soldiers to a professional sport producing world-class athletes, badminton in Canada has a rich history and a surprisingly vibrant future.

In fact, according to Statistics Canada and Badminton Canada, over 2 million people play some form of badminton in the country every year. It is the second most participated-in sport in the world, and Canada is a significant part of that global community.

A History Rooted in the 19th Century

Badminton did not originate in Canada; it evolved from a game called “Poona” played by British officers in India. British troops stationed overseas brought the game to Canadian soil in the late 19th century. The first organized games took place in Ottawa, and the sport quickly spread among the social clubs of the wealthy.

The Montreal Tennis and Badminton Club was formed in 1907, and by 1921, the Canadian Badminton Association (now known as Badminton Canada) was established. In the early days, the sport was a formal social event, but it soon became fiercely competitive.

One of the greatest legends of that era is Jack Purcell of Guelph, Ontario. In the 1920s and 1930s, Purcell was a dominant force. He won the Canadian National Singles title in 1929 and 1930 before turning professional. He was so good that he was declared the World Professional Champion, a title he held undefeated from 1932 until his retirement in 1945. You might recognize his name because he designed a shoe—the “Jack Purcell” sneakers—which, while now a fashion icon, were originally built for badminton players.

The Growth of “Warehouse Badminton”

For decades, badminton in Canada was played in community centres, church halls, or high school gyms. But over the last 20 years, the landscape has changed dramatically.

Coaches and players refer to the rise of “Warehouse Badminton.” Large, empty industrial spaces across the Greater Toronto Area and Vancouver have been converted into dedicated badminton facilities with high ceilings, professional flooring, and multiple courts. A single block in Vancouver reportedly has access to over 40 courts across various clubs.

This growth was supercharged in 2018 when Canada hosted the BWF World Junior Championships in Markham, Ontario. This event was a turning point. It showed young Canadian athletes that becoming a professional badminton player was a real career path, not just a dream. Since then, the number of competitive clubs and junior players has exploded.

Notable Past Players

Before the current generation of stars, Canada produced several world-class athletes who paved the way.

Wayne Macdonnell: A dominant figure in the 1960s and 70s, Macdonnell won six consecutive Canadian National singles titles from 1962 to 1967. He represented Canada in the Thomas Cup (the men’s world team championships) a record six times and was known for never losing to a fellow Canadian for nearly six years.
David Humble: Representing Canada in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Humble was a key competitor in the late 80s and 90s. He won a Bronze Medal for Canada at the 1990 Commonwealth Games in the mixed team event.
Jack Purcell: As mentioned, he is arguably the most famous name, recognized globally for his shoe endorsement, though many forget he was a fearsome “shotmaker” known for his deceptive play.

Current Canadian Stars

Canada is currently enjoying a “golden generation” of talent.

Victor Lai: He is the future of Canadian badminton. Born in 2004, Victor Lai made history by becoming the first Canadian player ever to win a medal at the BWF World Championships. He won a silver medal in 2025, which is an unprecedented achievement for the country. He is rapidly climbing the world rankings and competing against the best in Asia and Europe.
Brian Yang: Another top young player, Brian Yang, has been consistently winning domestic titles and challenging on the international circuit, pushing Victor Lai in national finals.
Michelle Li: A veteran of the sport, Michelle Li has been the standard-bearer for Canadian women’s badminton for over a decade, winning gold at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and representing Canada at multiple Olympics.

The Challenge from Pickleball

Despite its popularity, badminton in Canada faces a unique challenge. Sports like pickleball and padel are currently growing very fast. These sports are often easier to set up outdoors, whereas badminton requires high ceilings and is very sensitive to wind, making it primarily an indoor sport.

However, many believe that badminton offers a more athletic and intense workout than pickleball. With the infrastructure of clubs growing in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Halifax, badminton is holding its ground as the fastest racquet sport in the world.

The Future of the Sport

Badminton in Canada is not just surviving; it is thriving. With a strong national governing body actively bidding for international events like the Canada Open and Canadian International Challenge, the country is becoming a hub for the sport in the Pan Am region.

From the dusty courts of the 1920s with Jack Purcell to the high-tech “warehouses” of Vancouver and the historic medal wins of Victor Lai, Canadian badminton has a story worth telling. Whether you play for fun in your backyard or aspire to the Olympics, the shuttlecock is flying faster than ever in the Great White North.