Published: May 5, 2026 at 5:26 pm
Continuing his tirade against the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for tinkering with the points system, reducing them from 21 to 15, Indian badminton coach U Vimal Kumar has asked the body not to dilute the game. “If administrators can’t sell the sport in its purest form, then the answer isn’t to dilute it,” he said.
BWF’s proposed scoring system will dilute core essence of badminton: Vimal Kumar
Recently the BWF at its 87th Annual General Meeting, had approved a 3×15 format replacing the long-standing 3×21 scoring system. Apart from shortening games, there could be some alteration in the match dynamics. The new format will be enforced from January 4, 2027.
Important milestone, says BWF president
BWF president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul had said the decision marked an important milestone for the future of badminton. “We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long‑term future of our players,” Leeswadtrakul said. “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.
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, said BWF president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul. Pic: BWF/Badminton Photo
“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,” he had stated.
Essence of badminton will remain unchanged: BWF
Addressing concerns raised by some stakeholders, Leeswadtrakul emphasised that the essence of badminton would remain unchanged. “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.”
Problem is not in the scoring system, says Vimal
However, in an interview with khelkhiladis.com, Vimal said that in the name of modernising, the BWF was instead stripping the game down. “The real problem isn’t the scoring system. It’s that the BWF has failed to build a compelling product.”
He said that the BWF had just roughshod over the stakeholders of the game. “Many were suggesting that all the protests will die down and eventually they will start enjoying it like T20 cricket. I feel sad that people are so ignorant about the game,” the Bengalurean said.
The veteran coach, who has trained players like Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu (in the past), Lakshya Sen, Ayush Shetty among others, further said the “cricket didn’t stumble into three formats, Tests, ODIs, T20. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had built them with intent. Each format has a purpose. Each protects the sport. But the game of badminton is different.”
“This is one of the most physically demanding and technically complex sports in the world. Its beauty lies in contrasting styles — attack vs endurance, control vs aggression. Start ‘simplifying’ it, and you’re not modernising it, you’re stripping it down,” the former shuttler said.
Can’t force T20 template onto badminton
Vimal stressed that the reason for T20 success is because it’s engineered for entertainment and revenue. “It’s a batter-dominated, crowd-friendly, and commercially explosive form of the game. Fine. But trying to force that template onto badminton is not innovation – it’s ignorance,” he thundered.
The shuttler explained that other sports never diluted the core of the competition. “Look at the sports that truly run global sport – tennis, football, basketball, boxing, motor racing or golf – they have evolved.”
Vimal has asked the BWF officials to fix what actually matters – broadcast quality, in-stadium atmosphere, fan engagement, and a credible referral system. “Just because the administrators can’t sell the sport in its purest form, the answer isn’t to dilute it,” he said.
