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Though the exact origins of badminton are unknown, the sport has developed over time on the global scale and holds widespread appeal for people of all ages and skillsets.

Badminton is played indoors by either two opposing players (singles) or two pairs (doubles), who take positions on opposite halves of a court that is divided by a net.

Badminton has a unique history at the Olympic level. It made its debut as a demonstration sport at the 1972 Munich Games before becoming an exhibition sport at the 1988 Seoul Games. Badminton did not make its official debut at the Olympic level until at the 1992 Barcelona Games with four medal categories: men's and women's singles, and men's and women's doubles. Mixed doubles was added as an event at the 1996 Atlanta Games.