Kumar said he was \u201cextremely disappointed\u201d with the move, arguing that the existing format ensured a \u201ctrue level playing field\u201d across playing styles, particularly in singles, which he described as the \u201cvery essence\u201d of badminton.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Extremely disappointed with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decision to alter the scoring system\u2014and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from Council members. The existing format ensured a true level playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events\u2014Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s Singles\u2014which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength. By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game\u2019s worth of play\u201418 points), BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"The explanation that this will \u201ccreate early excitement\u201d feels short-sighted. Badminton has never lacked excitement\u2014what 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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Saturday approved a big change in how it scores games. Starting in January 2027 a new 3x15-point system will be used after getting a lot of support from its member associations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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 3x21-point format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Beyond the scoring system, Kumar highlighted what he sees as deeper issues within the sport, including lack of prize money for World Championships, limited rewards in singles, and the absence of a review system for umpiring decisions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u2022 No prize money for the World Championships<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u2022 No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u2022 No prize money for the World Championships<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"These are areas that truly needed attention. 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\u2014far exceeding many longer-duration sports. Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them. Players are expected to adapt\u2014but 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\u2019s disheartening to see a sport followed so passionately\u2014especially across Asia\u2014being reshaped for reasons that do not address its real challenges. This is not evolution. This is dilution,\" Vimal Kumar posted on X.<\/p>\r\n\r\n