BAI introduces a new 3×15 scoring system across domestic badminton tournaments

Indian badminton players will start adjusting to a new scoring era from this month after the Badminton Association of India (BAI) confirmed the introduction of a 3×15 rally-point system on the country’s home circuit.The revised format will debut at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Senior Ranking Tournament to be held at the Regional Sports Center in Ernakulam from July 7-14.Under the updated rules, matches will continue to follow a best-of-three format, but each game will now be played to 15 points instead of the traditional 21. Players or pairs must hold a two-point lead after all 14 to win a match. If the score reaches 20-all, the next point will decide the winner, with each game limited to 21 points.The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is set to introduce the same scoring system in international badminton from January next year. By introducing the format early, BAI aims to ensure that Indian shuttlers are fully accustomed to the changes before they take effect globally.“This decision has been taken to ensure that players of all age groups are familiar with and adaptable to the revised scoring format, thereby ensuring a smooth transition when the system is adopted at the international level,” BAI general secretary Sanjay Mishra said in a statement.In addition to the revamped scoring, several matchmaking procedures have also been updated. A mid-game break will now be taken once a leading player or pair reaches eight points, replacing the previous 11-point break. In the decisive third game, players will continue to switch ends, with the switch now occurring during a 60-second interval at eight points. The 120-second break between games remains unchanged, while the winner of the previous game will continue to serve first in the next game.The new 3×15 format will be implemented in all domestic competitions organized by the BAI, including zonal championships and domestic ranking tournaments in the U13, U15, U17, U19, Senior and Masters (Veterans) categories. It will also be used at every stage of the National Championship, from the Under 11 age group to the Senior and Masters divisions.With a global rollout planned for next year, India’s early adoption is expected to help its players adapt more quickly to a format designed to make matches faster, more intense and more tactically challenging.