From 21 to 15

Badminton’s biggest rule change in nearly two decades is already dividing opinion. From next year, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) will replace the long-standing 21-point, best-of-three-games format with a 15-point system, saying it will reduce player workload and make the sport faster and more engaging.

Chief national coach Pullela Gopichand believes the impact will be far greater. “It is a tactical shift. It will benefit a few players and wipe off a few others,” he said, warning that the shorter format will leave little room for recovery after a slow start. “The mind will play much more. You have to be switched on from the very first point.”

Indian badminton player N. Sikki Reddy agrees that the game is set to become faster and more aggressive. “Many players rely on settling into a match or building rallies gradually. They won’t get enough time to do that anymore. From the very first point, players have to be switched on because there won’t be much room to recover,” she says.

Reddy believes the new format will also make upsets more common. “Any player can beat a higher-ranked opponent if they come out aggressively. With fewer points, every rally becomes more valuable, making the outcome far less predictable.”

While she welcomes the possibility of reduced physical strain during packed tournament schedules, Reddy fears the sport could lose some of its character. “Badminton is exciting because of the momentum shifts, long rallies, comebacks and tactical battles that develop over 21 points. With 15 points, it could become more of a fast-and-furious contest.”

Instead of changing the scoring system, she would have preferred better scheduling. “A rest day after long matches and equal recovery time for both players would have been a fairer way to manage workload while keeping the format intact.”

15-Point format

Current: Best of three games to 21 points

From 2027: Best of three games to 15 points

Why the change?

· Reduce player workload

· Shorten match duration

· Make the sport faster and more television-friendly

What it means

· Faster starts become crucial

· Less time to recover from mistakes

· Greater emphasis on attacking play

· More unpredictable results

· Every rally carries greater value

The 15-point format will make every rally critical because there will be almost no room for error. Personally, I’m excited by the change as it will place a greater emphasis on tactics, shot selection and decision-making rather than just physical endurance. While it will certainly favour some players and make matches more unpredictable, I don’t entirely agree that it will ‘wipe off’ players. In fact, it could benefit experienced players who have struggled with the physical demands of long matches and even help extend their careers by rewarding smart, tactical badminton.”

— Rohan Kapoor, Indian badminton player