Badminton Returns to 15-Point System in Bid to Attract Younger Fans
BWF votes 198-43 to revert from 21-point system starting 2026, drawing criticism from legends like Lee Chong Wei
نظرة سريعة
- The Badminton World Federation has voted to replace the 21-point scoring system with a 15-point format starting in 2026, reverting to a 19th-century method.
- The change passed 198-43 at the BWF annual general meeting in Denmark, with officials claiming it will create more exciting matches for younger audiences and potentially extend players' careers.
- However, retired Malaysian star Lee Chong Wei strongly opposed the change, suggesting it could paradoxically keep older players like 36-year-old Chou Tien-chen in the sport longer.
ملخص مُنشأ بالذكاء الاصطناعي
لماذا يهم
Badminton has used the 21-point rally scoring system since 2006. The 15-point system was originally used in the 19th century when the sport was invented. The BWF has been seeking ways to make matches more television-friendly and appealing to younger audiences.
Badminton bosses say they have changed the sport's scoring system with an eye on attracting the younger generation with more exciting matches, and older players believe it could prolong their careers. From the start of next year, the sport will revert to a variation of the 15-point system that was first used in the 19th century, ending two decades of the first to 21 winning a game. Not everyone, however, is convinced that going back to the future is the best thing for the sport. Retired Malaysian star Lee Chong Wei was among those voicing strong opposition, saying he believed the current system worked well. "If this 15-point system is really going ahead, I wouldn't be surprised if 36-year-old Chou Tien‑chen keeps playing or even if I end up coming back to the court myself," the 43-year-old Lee said. The Badminton World Federation (BWF) ratified the changes at its annual general meeting in Denmark this past weekend, with 198 votes in favour and 43 against.
أسئلة مفتوحة
- Will the new system actually increase viewership and attract younger fans?
- How will professional players adapt their training and strategies?
- Will other major badminton nations support or oppose the change?
