BWF slammed over historic decision to change badminton scoring format: 'Extremely disappointed'

In one of the most significant moments in badminton history, the Badminton World Federation approved a rule change that will lead to more fast-paced action in the future.

The BWF on Saturday gave its nod to change the scoring system during its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark – where the Thomas and Uber Cup currently is underway. The decision to shorten matches from 3x21 to 3x15 was made official after it acquired two-thirds majority of the votes needed for it to be passed.

The new scoring system, in which players will be competing in best-of-three matches comprising 15 points each, will come into effect on 4 January 2027, and the BWF believes that the decision marks an important milestone for the future of the sport.

"The 3×15 scoring system is intended to deliver more exciting and competitive badminton, improved scheduling, more consistent match durations, and potential benefits for player welfare and recovery," Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said in an official statement.

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“By bringing high‑pressure moments earlier and creating tighter scores and more dramatic finishes, the format aims to keep fans engaged from the first rally to the last," she added.

The move however, hasn't gone down too well within the badminton community, with Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal having questioned the need to change the format last month and reputed coach Vimal Kumar slamming the move in a post on social media on Sunday.

"Any change in scoring or format should be carefully considered. The current 21-point system has worked well, and players have adapted to it over many years," London 2012 bronze medallist Nehwal had said last month when discussions about the format change were on.

"If changes are introduced, they should ensure that the quality of rallies and the competitive balance of the sport are not affected. At the end of the day, the focus should remain on fair competition and the spirit of the game," she added.

Coach Vimal Kumar slams BWF for 'diluting' badminton

Dronacharya Award-winning coach Vimal, who had coached Nehwal as well as her shuttler-husband Parupalli Kashyap, revealed that the BWF's decision had left him "extremely disappointed".

"Extremely disappointed with the BWF decision to alter the scoring system...and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from the Council members. It's disheartening to see a sport followed so passionately, especially across Asia, being reshaped for reasons that do not address its real challenges," Vimal wrote in a post on X on Sunday.

"The existing (21-point) format ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events -- Men's and Women's Singles -- which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength.

"By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game’s worth of play—18 points), BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling. The explanation that this will “create early excitement” feels short-sighted. Badminton has never lacked excitement—what it has offered is sustained intensity, something very few sports can match," the 63-year-old added.