The Badminton World Federation (BWF) Council has agreed to propose a new 3×15 scoring format, which will be decided at the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, on April 25. This format, including setting to 21, has been tested at the BWF World Junior Championships 2025 and in selected national and Grade 3 tournaments under the Alternative Laws of Badminton.
The proposed 3×15 format aims to shorten match duration and speed up progress to crucial points, as per BWF research. It is also designed with player welfare in mind, aiming to reduce injury risks, prolong careers, and enable athletes to maintain higher intensity levels during rallies.
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul views this format as a solid foundation for the sport’s future, following an extensive evaluation process involving statistical analysis, live trials, and stakeholder input. This new format is expected to enhance player welfare, maintain match excitement for global audiences, and help badminton differentiate itself in a fast-paced entertainment landscape.
Over the years, badminton has seen various experiments with scoring systems, transitioning from the old point-win on serve to the rally point system. The original scoring system in badminton dates back to 1873, with matches typically decided by the best of three games, each played to 15 points in men’s singles and any doubles games, and 11 points in ladies’ singles.
In 2002, the BWF explored a new scoring system to boost the commercial and broadcasting appeal of the sport, shortening games to seven points and deciding matches by the best of five games. When the score reached 6–6, the player reaching six first could choose to set the score to eight points.
