Badminton as we know it is going to change forever with the sport voting to change its scoring system, which will see a radical change in how the game is played. Going forward, matches will get shorter than now with a major change in the dynamics of the sport that have been in place for two decades.
At the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) 87th BWF Annual General Meeting (BWF), which took place on Saturday (April 25) at Horsens in Denmark, a proposal to adopt a 3*15 scoring system was passed. A 2/3 majority was needed for the rule change to be implemented. The motion was passed with a staggering 198-43 majority.
The new rule means that while matches will still be best-of-three affairs, each set will now be of 15 points instead of 21, which has been the case since 2006. The mid-set break, which used to take place after one player reached 11 points, will now take place at the eight-point mark. If the scores are level at 14-14, then a player will have to win two consecutive points. However, the cut-off (next point wins) will be changed from 30-29 to 21-20.
The change has been brought in order to make matches shorter and help in improving players' workload and wellness. It is also claimed that the shorter matches will lead to more exciting matches as well as dramatic finishes.
The ongoing 2026 season will be the last played with the current 3*21 point system. The new points-scoring system will be in place from 4th January 2027. This means that the 2026 BWF World Championships, which are set to be hosted in Delhi, will be played with 21-point sets. It will mark the first time since 2009 that the mega event will take place on Indian soil.
The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be played with the new points system in place.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul explained the decision and claimed it will not change the fundamentals of the sport. He claimed it is a decision taken with badminton's long-term sustainability in mind.
"We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long‑term future of our players. The 3×15 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. By bringing high‑pressure moments earlier and creating tighter scores and more dramatic finishes, the format aims to keep fans engaged from the first rally to the last," said Leeswadtrakul.
"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. 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," he added
Aayush Kataria is a Senior Copy Editor at Times Network with four years of experience, having started his career in the organisation. He is a key memb...View More
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