India's chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand yesterday lashed out at Badminton World Federation's (BWF) new rule in which it is mandatory for the Top 15 singles and Top 10 doubles players to play 12 tournaments in a year or they might have to pay dearly if they fail to comply with the new rule. The new tournament format will begin from January 2018 and the Super Series and Super Series Premier will now be called World Tour. Another major change that has received mixed reactions in the badminton circles is about no qualifying rounds in Grade 1 and Grade 2 tournaments.

India's chief badminton coach Pullela Gopichand