Badminton eyes 'next generation' with new scoring system

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Badminton chiefs say they have "strengthened the sport" for the future after the governing body voted to change the scoring system in a major move.

Currently matches are the best of three games with the winner of each game being the first to 21 points.

From January 2027 it will be the first to 15 points.

Badminton World Federation president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul called it an important milestone.

"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.

"By bringing high?pressure moments earlier and creating tighter scores and more dramatic finishes, the format aims to keep fans engaged from the first rally to the last."

Leeswadtrakul acknowledged that traditionalists would be concerned by the move.

"This decision does not change the fundamental nature of badminton," she said in remarks released on Saturday.

"The skill, the tactics, the physical and mental demands, and the drama of the sport will remain."