BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund discusses venue readiness at the World Championships in New Delhi, the upcoming shift to a 15-point format in 2027, and India's growing importance as a badminton market.
India's chief national coach Pullela Gopichand warns that the BWF's shift to a 15-point scoring system will fundamentally change badminton, favoring speed and mental resilience while potentially ending the careers of players unable to adapt to the tactical transition.
Shuttler Ashwini Ponnappa dislikes badminton's new 15x3 scoring system, stating it removes drama and intensity. The format, being trialed domestically and planned for global rollout by BWF in 2027, aims to shorten matches and reduce player fatigue.
Indian badminton introduces a 3x15 rally-point scoring system across its domestic circuit from July 7, ahead of the BWF's international adoption next year. This aims to familiarize players with the new format, making matches faster and more intense.
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.
Former India coach Vimal Kumar criticised the BWF’s decision to introduce the 3x15 scoring system from 2027, calling it a “dilution” of the sport. He said the current 21-point format ensures fairness and intensity, rejecting claims of added excitement. Vimal suggested limiting changes to doubles and raised concerns over player welfare, lack of prize money, and absence of a review system, adding that players’ voices are often ignored.
The Badminton World Federation has approved a new 3x15 point scoring system to replace the existing 21-point format, with implementation set for January 2027. The proposal received overwhelming support at the BWF AGM in Horsens, Denmark, with 198 votes in favor versus 43 against. The change follows extensive testing since May 2025, with data indicating the new format delivers shorter matches, higher intensity, and more exciting rallies. Indian stars PV Sindhu and Satwik Rankireddy offered mixed reactions, while former players Saina Nehwal and Chen Yu Fei are on opposite sides of the debate.
