Overview
- The Badminton World Federation approved the 15x3 scoring system for rollout in 2027, a decision reported Tuesday that replaces the current best-of-three to 21 points.
- India chief coach Pullela Gopichand warned the shorter format will magnify pressure on each rally and could end some careers while helping others who favour fast, aggressive play.
- Coaches and players say the change will reward quick starts, sharper serve and return play, and will make doubles especially decisive because attack phases now carry more weight.
- Critics question the BWF rationale for workload relief and say tournament scheduling or longer recovery windows could manage player strain without altering how matches are scored.
- The switch echoes earlier scoring experiments in the 2000s that disrupted training and match styles, so federations are already rethinking coaching, selection and injury risk for athletes.