Justin Kan: More Than a Backyard Game

Justin Kan explains why he enjoys badminton and how more people should invest in the sport.

Whenever people ask what sport I play, I tell them, “badminton.” They usually laugh and say, “The backyard game?” What they don’t realize is that badminton is one of the most popular sports in the world.

In countries like China, Indonesia and Malaysia, stadiums are packed with the athletes being treated like stars. I’ve loved badminton since I first played with my brother. It is fast, strategic, and connects me to my culture and family. Most importantly, badminton deserves to be a part of a broader conversation about cultural visibility and recognition.

But in the U.S., badminton is almost invisible as it’s often seen as a casual game rather than the competitive sport I dedicate my life to. That difference shows how culture and media shape which sports are celebrated and which are overlooked.

This past summer, I went to England to represent the U.S. in an international tournament. After my quarterfinal match, a reporter asked me what changes I’d like to see in American badminton. The question stuck with me because badminton in the U.S. lacks structure.

It’s not an official NCAA sport, so players don’t have a college path to compete and study. Without that support, many talented athletes often quit in their teenage years to focus on academics or other sports.

Although in the U.S., the sport I love feels as if it’s not a part of American culture. But badminton shouldn’t be seen this way as it requires qualities that every sport has. In the diverse country we live in, recognizing badminton is about acknowledging global traditions that strengthen our society.

With enough awareness and respect, American badminton can become the sport it already is around the world. When we recognize sports like badminton, we’re embracing the culture and communities that form American identity. With a Perspective, I’m Justin Kan.

Justin Kan is a student and badminton player from the Bay Area. He enjoys exploring how culture and sports intersect.