Former Indian badminton coach Vimal Kumar has strongly criticized the Badminton World Federation’s decision to implement a new 3×15 scoring system. Kumar expressed disappointment, stating that the change is a dilution rather than an evolution of the sport. He raised concerns about the significant support the proposal received from council members.
Kumar emphasized that the existing scoring format provided a true level playing field, especially in singles matches, which he described as the essence of badminton. He questioned the need for change, suggesting that if modifications were necessary, they should have been selectively applied to doubles formats while preserving the integrity of singles matches.
The Badminton World Federation recently approved the adoption of a new 3×15-point scoring system starting from January 2027. The decision, supported by a majority vote of 198-43 at the annual general meeting, marks a shift from the traditional 3×21-point format. The change aims to modernize the sport and make matches more engaging for fans.
Beyond the scoring system alteration, Kumar highlighted broader issues within badminton, such as the lack of prize money for World Championships, limited rewards for singles players, and the absence of a review system for umpiring decisions. He expressed concerns about the neglect of player welfare and the sport’s direction, suggesting that the changes may not address the real challenges faced by badminton players.
