The Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) decision to replace 3×21 with the new 3×15 points scoring system from January 2027 onwards has stirred a debate among the badminton fraternity.
Former India coach and Dronacharya Awardee Vimal Kumar is at the forefront of calling the move ‘disappointing’.
Taking to his social media, Kumar wrote: “Extremely disappointed with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decision to alter the scoring system — and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from Council members.”
The BWF voted in favour of the new scoring system with an overwhelming 82.16% majority at its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark. A whopping 198 people voted in favour of moving to the shorter format, while 43 voted against it.
“The existing 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,” he wrote.
While the BWF argues the shorter format will improve scheduling, create more high-pressure moments, and help player welfare, Kumar believes doing so will dilute the essence of the sport.
“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.
“If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats, while preserving the integrity of Singles? That would have been a more balanced approach,” he further wrote.
‘Neglect of players’
Continuing his criticism, Kumar highlighted to more deeper structural concerns, arguing that the BWF has failed to prioritise issues that directly impact players.
“Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice: No prize money for the World Championships, No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category, No implementation of a review/referral system for critical umpiring decisions. These are areas that truly needed attention,” he opined.
“Badminton is widely regarded among the toughest sports in the world. A 90-minute Singles match can have nearly an hour of shuttle in play—far exceeding many longer-duration sports. Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them. Players are expected to adapt—but are rarely heard.
“While other global sports continue to evolve by empowering athletes, improving officiating, and enhancing viewer engagement, badminton seems to be moving in the opposite direction.
“It’s disheartening to see a sport followed so passionately—especially across Asia—being reshaped for reasons that do not address its real challenges. This is not evolution. This is dilution,” he concluded.
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