Source: REUTERS/IVAN ALVARADO
[Saba Sports News] Badminton is a highly
beneficial sport for one’s health. However, it does have specific height
requirements for players. According to data, the shortest active star in
today’s badminton world is Japanese women’s singles player Okuhara Nozomi, who
was born in 1995 and stands at a height of only 155cm. Due to her shorter
stature, Okuhara must rely on her exceptional physical strength and run more to
create scoring opportunities, which has become her winning advantage. There are
very few famous players under 160cm in the active badminton scene apart from
Nozomi Okuhara. This is primarily due to the standard height of the badminton
net frame. The Badminton World Federation specifies that a standard net frame
consists of two uprights of equal height and a horizontal beam. The height of
the uprights is set at 155cm, and they are fixed to the ground with a spacing
of 76cm. The crossbeam is also set at 155cm, running parallel to the bottom
line of the court and positioned 3.66m from the center line of the court. If a
player’s height is less than 155cm, their hitting trajectory and visibility may
be affected by the net, making it easier for opponents to formulate specific
tactics to restrict them. Therefore, Nozomi Okuhara’s multiple international
championships at a height of 155cm can be considered a remarkable feat in the
world of badminton.