Badminton is a globally popular sport, with significant followings in Asia (especially China, Indonesia, and Malaysia), Europe, and increasingly in North America. It involves players using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. Known for its speed and agility requirements, badminton is an Olympic sport. The sport's special qualities include its fast-paced nature and the strategic depth required in gameplay. The leading countries dominate in international competitions like the Olympics and the BWF World Championships.