The BWF is pushing a bold change to professional badminton with a proposed 15-point scoring system, which has been endorsed by the federation’s council and will now proceed to a final vote. According to the BWF, this format offers an ideal balance between match excitement, fairness, player welfare, and tournament presentation.
Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, BWF President, emphasized the need for the sport to evolve while supporting athletes’ well-being. She stated that the 3x15 system provides a strong foundation for badminton’s future and keeps matches engaging for global audiences.
The proposal is not untested. The 15-point format has been trialed under the BWF’s “Alternative Laws of Badminton” at select national tournaments and Grade 3 events. A notable test occurred at the World Junior Championships in Guwahati, India, last year, providing insight into its practical application.
Despite the federation’s optimism, some elite players have expressed concerns. China’s men’s singles world No. 1 Shi Yu Qi suggested that shorter matches might favor older players, while Denmark’s world No. 2 Anders Antonsen argued that physically weaker athletes could gain an advantage. South Korean media have also speculated that the change could affect women’s singles world No. 1 An Se Young.
However, the shorter format has supporters as well. Emerging players see it as an opportunity to challenge the established hierarchy, potentially making tournaments more unpredictable and competitive.
The final vote will take place during the Thomas and Uber Cup finals in Horsens, Denmark, ensuring that the decision receives maximum attention from the badminton community. If approved at the AGM on April 25, the 15-point system will replace the current 21-point format, likely taking effect next year and signaling a new era for professional badminton.
