BWF to roll out 3×15 scoring format from January 2027

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has approved a major scoring reform, replacing the traditional 3x21-point format with a 3x15-point system starting January 2027. The decision aims to make matches shorter and more engaging while easing physical strain on players.

New Delhi: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday approved a big change in how it scores games. Starting in January 2027 a new 3×15-point system will be used after getting a lot of support from its member associations.

At the BWF’s annual general meeting in Horsens, Denmark, the proposal was passed with a clear 198-43 vote, which is well over the two-thirds majority needed to change the long-standing 3×21-point format.

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The change comes after more than a year of testing at certain tournaments as part of the federation’s effort to make the sport more modern. With the new structure, matches will be played as best-of-three games to 15 points, but if the score is tied, they can go up to 21 points.

The BWF believes that the change will make games shorter, sharper, and more interesting for fans, and it will also help players deal with the physical demands of the game better.

The governing body has said that shortening matches could help players recover, make them less tired, and maybe even lengthen their careers. The streamlined format should also make it easier to schedule tournaments and give broadcasters more consistent coverage.

The BWF’s “Alternative Laws of Badminton” have already used the system, and it was tested in national competitions, Grade 3 events, and the World Junior Championships in Guwahati last year, which was a test run before it was made available to everyone.

Despite the strong institutional support, the change has sparked debate within the badminton community. World No. 1 Shi Yuqi has expressed concerns that the shorter format could favour older, more experienced players. Denmark’s world No. 2 Anders Antonsen echoed similar reservations, suggesting the system may benefit physically weaker players.

However, the proposed system has found support among emerging and lower-ranked players, who view it as an opportunity to level the playing field and challenge established stars.