Indian badminton legend's response to new scoring system: Had feared for worse
Badminton as we know, is set to change after the world federation approved a change in the scoring system. From 3 games of 21 points, it's shifting to 3 games of 15. Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand had issued a warning about the same a few months back.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) approved the new scoring system on Saturday, April 25. The sport will now move to a 15x3 system, instead of its usual 21-point games. Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand had warned about the potential shortcomings of the new system.
Speaking to Indian Express in February, Gopichand had revealed that he was fine with the new 15x3 system only because he had feared for the worst. The former All England champion feared that the BWF would bring in 11-point matches like table tennis, where the contest would be decided over five games.
"I’m kind of OK with it. The sport has gotten too physical, and too many players are down with too many injuries, playing the 21 points," Gopichand said in the interview.
"Somewhere, it needed to be shortened for their well-being, if we are to be realistic," he added.
The BWF changed the point system to make sure that they shortened the length of the matches. This is expected to suit the newer generations well, in turn expanding the sport to newer markets and making it sustainable. A shortened game will also mean that players will get more time for rest and recovery.
"Right now, it’s reaching an hour and a half. 153 will keep it to 60 minutes, hopefully. Of course, players will adapt and possibly stretch out 153 too. There are pluses and minuses. But I’m just happy they aren’t getting the mad 115 experiment in, which was my fear. That would be a nightmare. I’d rather players play 60 minutes than 90," he added.
The new scoring system has seen criticism from current and former players, who have argued that this will completely change the fabric of the sport.
Gopichand delved into the problems of the new system and said it will turn matches more defensive, and players will find a way to stretch these 15x3 matches beyond one hour, which was exactly what BWF had tried to clamp down on.
"Now you will see a safe sort of game. The level of skill won’t be tested much, which is a huge drawback of 153. Players will stick to pet shots and safe play. Comeback drama won’t be frequent," Gopichand concluded.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) will introduce the new 15x3 scoring system on January 4, 2027.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) approved the new scoring system on Saturday, April 25. The sport will now move to a 15x3 system, instead of its usual 21-point games. Indian badminton legend Pullela Gopichand had warned about the potential shortcomings of the new system.
Speaking to Indian Express in February, Gopichand had revealed that he was fine with the new 15x3 system only because he had feared for the worst. The former All England champion feared that the BWF would bring in 11-point matches like table tennis, where the contest would be decided over five games.
"I’m kind of OK with it. The sport has gotten too physical, and too many players are down with too many injuries, playing the 21 points," Gopichand said in the interview.
"Somewhere, it needed to be shortened for their well-being, if we are to be realistic," he added.
The BWF changed the point system to make sure that they shortened the length of the matches. This is expected to suit the newer generations well, in turn expanding the sport to newer markets and making it sustainable. A shortened game will also mean that players will get more time for rest and recovery.
"Right now, it’s reaching an hour and a half. 153 will keep it to 60 minutes, hopefully. Of course, players will adapt and possibly stretch out 153 too. There are pluses and minuses. But I’m just happy they aren’t getting the mad 115 experiment in, which was my fear. That would be a nightmare. I’d rather players play 60 minutes than 90," he added.
The new scoring system has seen criticism from current and former players, who have argued that this will completely change the fabric of the sport.
Gopichand delved into the problems of the new system and said it will turn matches more defensive, and players will find a way to stretch these 15x3 matches beyond one hour, which was exactly what BWF had tried to clamp down on.
"Now you will see a safe sort of game. The level of skill won’t be tested much, which is a huge drawback of 153. Players will stick to pet shots and safe play. Comeback drama won’t be frequent," Gopichand concluded.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) will introduce the new 15x3 scoring system on January 4, 2027.
