In a move to prepare Indian shuttlers for the upcoming global rollout by the Badminton World Federation, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) will implement the new 3×15 scoring system in all domestic tournaments starting from July 2026. This change will debut at the All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament in Ernakulam from July 7-14, aiming to familiarize players with the revised format before its international standardization in January 2027.
The new rules will maintain the best-of-three-games, rally-point structure but will require each game to be played to 15 points instead of 21. Matches will still demand a two-point lead after 14-all, with a game limit of 21 points where the next point after 20-all determines the winner. This adjustment is anticipated to increase the pace of matches, heighten momentum shifts, and emphasize strategic play and quick decision-making.
BAI’s General Secretary, Sanjay Mishra, emphasized the importance of early adoption to ensure all stakeholders are well-versed in the new scoring system before its global implementation. Mishra highlighted the need for uniformity in competition, better preparation, and the development of familiarity and adaptability among players, coaches, and officials across all age groups.
The implementation of the 3×15 scoring system will also bring changes to match procedures, including a mid-game interval at eight points instead of 11 for the leading player or pair. Additionally, there will be a 60-second break and end change in the deciding game, while the two-minute interval between games and the serving order will remain unchanged. This format will be uniformly applied across India’s domestic badminton events, from Zonal Championships to National Championships, ensuring a consistent competitive structure across all age categories.
