The Badminton World Federation is set to vote on its first scoring system overhaul since the shift to the 3×21 format in 2006.

A vote on the proposal will take place at the Badminton World Federation Annual General Meeting on April 25, 2026, in Horsens, and if approved, the new format will be rolled out from January 4, 2027.

New 3×15 scoring basically means three games to 15 points. The system keeps it similar to some extent. Given that the matches are still best of three, but each game goes up to 15 points, with a two-point lead needed to win. If it gets tied at 14-all, play continues until one side pulls ahead by two.

The rest of the structure stays largely the same. Players switch ends after the first and second games, and in a deciding third game, they change ends once a side reaches 8 points.

Further, there is a brief pause included, a 60-second break that occurs once a side reaches 8 points in a match, along with a more extensive 120-second pause that follows each match.

The BWF tried other formats' data, including the 3×21 and the 5×11 format. But the result stayed the same, with 3×15 outperforming others.

BWF’s New Scoring Push, Officials Weigh In

“I think it’s super important we sort of stay relevant and adapt to the times we are living in,” said BWF commentator Steen Pedersen. “The new scoring system then has the potential to attract some new fans and engage more people around the world.”

While P. V. Sindhu, head of the BWF Athletes' Commission, said that “Innovation is absolutely needed. But it has to be meaningful… The majority still feel that the 21-point system is better for badminton.”

From a medical point of view, Niels Christian Kaldau believes that shorter matches can help reduce fatigue and give players more time to recover.

This aligns with BWF's idea as matches become shorter, helping players stay fresh while also making scheduling easier for broadcasters and tournament organizers.

The purpose of this is to increase the speed of the matches while maintaining the essence of the sport. Games will become more concise, allowing players to conserve energy while remaining competitive, as well as simplifying the scheduling process.

Now the vote on April 25, in Horsens, will decide this matter.

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Written by

Chitrak Mukherjee

Edited by

Rudra Dubey