From January 4, 2027, matches will move from the current 21-point format to a 15-point format. Games will still be played as best-of-three, but each game will now go to 15 instead of 21. 

The rule was approved by the Badminton World Federation at its annual general meeting on April 25 in Horsens, Denmark. This is the sport’s first permanent scoring change since 2006.

Player reaction has been mixed. Some athletes believe the shorter format will ease the strain of long matches. China’s Shi Yuqi said it may reduce the physical burden, but it could also make matches more mentally demanding.

"Shorter matches ​mean less demand on physical conditioning, but at the same time, the pressure from opponents, especially younger ones, will be stronger", he said, via Reuters.

Indonesia’s Jonatan Christie also sees a benefit. He says shorter contests would be easier on the body and recovery. “When I play a long match, like 60-70 minutes, it’s not good for my body. I need more time for recovery. When the match is shorter than 60 minutes, it will be good," the 28-year-old said, via The Straits Times.

Match time might be less, but intensity will be higher, China's Feng Yanzhe told The Straits Times. Players may have to attack harder and settle faster. In the same report, South Korea’s An Se-young also questioned if shorter games would make badminton better or more intense.

Singapore’s Loh Kean Yew told The Straits Times that athletes will have less time to “test” their opponents and recover from slow starts. At the same time, Malaysia's coaching director Kenneth Jonassen added that the reduced points could be advantageous for all-around players who commit fewer mistakes.

What did BWF say about the new 3×15 scoring system?

BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul stated that the new system represents a 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," he added. 

Leeswadtrakul also addressed the concerns fans and athletes have been raising. “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," he said. 

What is your opinion on this new change by BWF?

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Written by

Sahil Prashar

Edited by

Siddharth Rawat