(UPI Photo Files/Brian Kersey)

Gold medals to be awarded: 5

Dates of competition: Aug. 9-17

Although badminton may be played in the backyard of many American homes, it is an Asian-dominated sport at the international level.

China has won 22 medals since badminton appeared in the Olympics 16 years ago. Indonesia is next with 15 medals and South Korea has 14.

In the host country, Lin Dan will be one of the biggest stories of the Olympics. He is the world's top-ranked player and is known as, "Super Dan." His girlfriend, Xie Xingfang, is also ranked No. 1 in the world.

Leading up to the Olympics, Lin reportedly punched his coach during a disagreement about how his practice sessions should be conducted.

The American team will be led by Howard Bach, world champion in 2005. The United States has never won a badminton Olympic medal.