Indian badminton fraternity expresses disappointment over approval of new scoring system

An exhausted PV Sindhu during the 2016 India Open. As per experts the new points system change will not test endurance of players like the old one did. Pic/AFP

With the world governing body for badminton, Badminton World Federation (BWF), approving the new scoring system of three games of 15 points with effect from January 2027, the Indian badminton fraternity has expressed its disappointment.

Former Olympian and reputed coach U Vimal Kumar told mid-day on Sunday that the new scoring system was "not evolution, but dilution" of the sport. "Extremely disappointed with the BWF decision to alter the scoring system. The existing format (3x21 point system) ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in singles, that has always embodied the very essence of badminton: skill, resilience, fitness and mental strength.

Ashwini Ponnappa

"By effectively reducing the duration, BWF risks diluting what made these events so compelling. The explanation that this will "create early excitement" feels short-sighted. Badminton has never lacked excitement. If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats alone?" Vimal remarked.

Vimal's contemporary and former Asian Games medallist, Uday Pawar echoed similar sentiments. Pawar, coach of current doubles star Chirag Shetty at Goregaon Sports Club, said: "The change was necessitated for TV coverage as matches, especially on the finals day, went too long. Perhaps, for major tournaments, like the tennis Grand Slams having five sets for men, the 21-point system could have been retained. Or the men's singles and doubles, and mixed doubles could have been played in 21-point system and women's singles and doubles in 15-point system."

Pawar added: "The new points system will suit the Indians who are strong on skill and strategy. The 21-point format tested players' endurance. Now it'll be more of speed, accuracy and skill."

U Vimal Kumar, Ajay Jayaram and Uday Pawar

Former singles player, Ajay Jayaram, and doubles specialist, Olympian Ashwini Ponnappa expressed disappointment over the new scoring pattern. Jayaram, who reached a career high singles ranking of 13 in 2017, said: "I am not too happy about this. Over the last two decades, there have been multiple experiments and changes. The point structure plays a minuscule role in the popularity of the sport. Constant change has more harm to do than good. Also, the current format is interesting, fast-paced, tests endurance and ensures a well-balanced game. To make it shorter reduces emphasis on fitness."

Ponnappa, who reached a high 10th in women's doubles, 21st in mixed doubles, and is a 2011 World Championships bronze medallist in women's doubles alongside Jwala Gutta, said: "The current scoring system is good. Matches are longer because of their high quality. When you change the scoring system, it changes much more. The players will adapt as they have no choice but it's confusing to constantly keep up to changes."