HYDERABAD: Badminton is all set for a new avatar as the annual general body of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has approved a 3×15 point scoring system from January next.The proposal received more than a two-thirds majority at the BWF AGM in Horsens, Denmark on Saturday. While 198 voted for the new format, 43 voted against.PV Sindhu said the change should be meaningful. “We should always strive to improve the sport for players, fans, broadcasters and commercial partners. But not every change is progress. So my feeling would be, let’s innovate but make sure we’re solving the right problem,” Sindhu told the BWF website.Doubles specialist Satwisiraj Rankireddy told TOI that the 15-point system will suit their style. “A 15-point system will be beneficial for our style of play. But I like the 21-point game. We play real badminton there. It’s like comparing Test and T20 cricket. Test cricket is what we love and enjoy more,” Satwik said.The BWF started experimenting with the 3×15 format from May 2025 at the Mexican international challenge. BWF also tested the existing 21×3 against 15×3 and 11×5. Factors considered include the probability of a win, the length of the match, the closeness of the game, the number of high pressures or exciting points. All data indicated that the 3×15 format consistently outperformed the other two formats.The 3×21 system was introduced in 2006. Between 2002 and 2006, the 5×7 system was implemented and phased out due to longer match duration. Prior to 2002, it was a best-of-three match of 15 points for the men and 11 points for the women. 15×3 was used at the 2004 Olympics. Prior to 2006, there was a serve-through system where players only secured points on serve. In the newly approved system, players earn points for every rally they win.Former world number one Saina Nehwal strongly opposed the new system. Olympic women’s champion Chen Yu Fei supports the 15-point format. “I support a three-match, 15-point scoring system. With a 21-point system, matches can last 80 or even 90 minutes, which is challenging. If it’s 15 points, the matches will be shorter, the intensity higher and the rally more exciting,” said the Chinese shuttler.Former national team coach U Vimal Kumar is also against the new system. “Changing the existing scoring system risks diluting the very essence of badminton,” Vimal wrote to the BWF.
