Biggest rule change in badminton history: BWF approves new scoring system
The Badminton World Federation has approved a major rule change, replacing the 3x21 format with a 3x15 system from January 2027. While BWF says it will boost player welfare and excitement, Saina Nehwal has cautioned against altering the sport's core character.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday approved one of the biggest rule changes in the sport’s history, officially adopting the new 3x15 scoring system at its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark. The proposal passed with the required two-thirds majority of votes cast and will come into effect from January 4, 2027.
The move marks the end of the long-standing 3x21 points format that has defined modern badminton for nearly two decades. Under the new system, matches will be played as best-of-three games to 15 points instead of 21, with the BWF arguing that the shorter format will improve scheduling, create more high-pressure moments, and help player welfare.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul called the decision an important milestone for the future of badminton and said the sport needed to evolve for the next generation.
“We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long-term future of our players,” Leeswadtrakul said.
“The 3x15 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.”
She added that bringing high-pressure moments earlier in matches would create tighter contests and more dramatic finishes, helping keep fans engaged from the first rally to the last.
The decision follows years of testing, analysis, and consultation with stakeholders, with the BWF saying the change reflects a collective push towards innovation, sustainability, and longer player careers.
SAINA NEHWAL CITES CONCERNS
However, the move has not been without criticism. Former world No. 1 and Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal had opposed the change, warning that the sport should not lose its essence in pursuit of reform.
“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,” Saina had said earlier.
Addressing such concerns, Leeswadtrakul stressed that badminton’s core identity would remain untouched.
“We know that change can raise concern, especially in a sport with such strong traditions. But this decision does not change the fundamental nature of badminton. The skill, the tactics, the physical and mental demands, and the drama of the sport will remain,” she said.
“What this change does is strengthen the sport by protecting what makes badminton special, and ensuring the world’s best players can continue to compete, inspire, and connect with fans globally for longer.”
The BWF said it will now focus on implementing the transition smoothly, while continuing discussions with players, coaches, and national federations as badminton prepares for a major shift in how the sport will be played from 2027 onward.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday approved one of the biggest rule changes in the sport’s history, officially adopting the new 3x15 scoring system at its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark. The proposal passed with the required two-thirds majority of votes cast and will come into effect from January 4, 2027.
The move marks the end of the long-standing 3x21 points format that has defined modern badminton for nearly two decades. Under the new system, matches will be played as best-of-three games to 15 points instead of 21, with the BWF arguing that the shorter format will improve scheduling, create more high-pressure moments, and help player welfare.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul called the decision an important milestone for the future of badminton and said the sport needed to evolve for the next generation.
“We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long-term future of our players,” Leeswadtrakul said.
“The 3x15 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.”
She added that bringing high-pressure moments earlier in matches would create tighter contests and more dramatic finishes, helping keep fans engaged from the first rally to the last.
The decision follows years of testing, analysis, and consultation with stakeholders, with the BWF saying the change reflects a collective push towards innovation, sustainability, and longer player careers.
SAINA NEHWAL CITES CONCERNS
However, the move has not been without criticism. Former world No. 1 and Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal had opposed the change, warning that the sport should not lose its essence in pursuit of reform.
“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,” Saina had said earlier.
Addressing such concerns, Leeswadtrakul stressed that badminton’s core identity would remain untouched.
“We know that change can raise concern, especially in a sport with such strong traditions. But this decision does not change the fundamental nature of badminton. The skill, the tactics, the physical and mental demands, and the drama of the sport will remain,” she said.
“What this change does is strengthen the sport by protecting what makes badminton special, and ensuring the world’s best players can continue to compete, inspire, and connect with fans globally for longer.”
The BWF said it will now focus on implementing the transition smoothly, while continuing discussions with players, coaches, and national federations as badminton prepares for a major shift in how the sport will be played from 2027 onward.
