The 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be an exhilarating spectacle for sports enthusiasts worldwide, and badminton, a sport known for its speed and agility, will be a key attraction.

As badminton takes center stage in this international sporting event, this guide will help fans navigate the complexities of the game, understand the key players, and appreciate the nuances of the competition.

Badminton is a racquet sport played either in singles or doubles formats. The objective is simple: players must hit a shuttlecock over a net and into the opponent's court in such a way that they cannot return it. The game is known for its fast pace and requires a high level of skill and agility. Points are scored when the shuttlecock lands in the opponent’s court or when the opponent fails to return it properly. Matches are played in a best-of-three games format, with each game played to 21 points.

The badminton tournament at the Paris Olympics will feature several events: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Each event will see competitors from around the globe vying for Olympic glory. The tournament will follow a knockout format after a preliminary round, leading to quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately the finals.

The preliminary rounds will see players divided into groups where they will compete in round-robin matches. The top players from each group will advance to the knockout stages. This format ensures that the best performers have a fair chance to progress and compete for medals.

As the tournament approaches, several players stand out as potential medalists. In Men’s Singles, Kento Momota of Japan and Viktor Axelsen of Denmark are anticipated to be strong contenders. Momota, the world’s number one ranked player, has been in exceptional form and is known for his tactical play and resilience. Axelsen, a previous world champion, combines power and precision, making him a formidable opponent.

In Women’s Singles, Tai Tzu-ying from Taiwan and Akane Yamaguchi from Japan are expected to be major players. Tai’s flair and creative shot-making have earned her a reputation as one of the most exciting players to watch. Yamaguchi’s agility and consistent performance make her a strong candidate for a medal.

For doubles events, the focus will be on pairs like the men’s team of Mohammad Ahsan and Hendra Setiawan from Indonesia, and the women’s duo of Chen Qingchen and Jia Yifan from China. Both teams have demonstrated exceptional coordination and strategic play in past tournaments, making them ones to watch.

Understanding the strategies employed in badminton can enhance the viewing experience. Players often use a combination of aggressive attacks and strategic placements to outmaneuver their opponents. Key tactics include the use of smashes to finish points quickly, as well as drop shots and net play to control the pace of the game. During the tournament, key matches will be those involving top-ranked players and defending champions. Watching these matches can offer insights into high-level play and showcase the peak of competitive badminton.

The Paris Olympics will be broadcast globally, with coverage available through various media outlets. In many countries, viewers can tune in to Olympic-specific channels or streaming services to catch live action and highlights. For those interested in detailed analysis and commentary, sports networks and dedicated badminton channels will provide in-depth coverage and expert insights.