New Delhi: A major change in badminton’s scoring system has triggered strong reactions, with coach Vimal Kumar expressing sharp disappointment over the decision by the Badminton World Federation to introduce a 3×15 points format. The new system, approved at the federation’s annual meeting in Horsens, Denmark, will replace the existing 21-point format from January 2027.
The proposal received the required majority support, but concerns have quickly surfaced regarding its effect on the sport. Vimal Kumar believes the change weakens the core essence of badminton, particularly in singles matches, which he described as the purest test of skill, stamina, and mental strength. He emphasised that the current 21-point system ensures a fair balance across different playing styles and has long defined the sport’s competitive intensity.
He also argued that reducing the total points effectively shortens matches and risks taking away the sustained intensity that sets badminton apart. The claim that the new format will create early excitement, he suggested, overlooks the fact that the sport has always delivered high levels of engagement from start to finish.
Kumar questioned why such a significant adjustment was not limited to doubles events instead of being applied across all formats. In his view, maintaining the integrity of singles while experimenting with other categories would have been a more balanced approach.
Beyond the scoring debate, he highlighted broader issues affecting players, including the lack of prize money at the World Championships and delays in implementing a review system for umpiring decisions. He stressed that these concerns directly impact athletes and deserve greater attention.
Top players such as PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal have also expressed reservations about the change, supporting the continuation of the existing format.
Kumar further pointed to limited player involvement in decision making, warning that the sport risks moving in the wrong direction if athletes’ voices continue to be overlooked.
