The format of badminton matches is changing. From the point structure to the flow, it is a change that alters the very framework of the discipline.
Badminton Korea Association said on the 25th that the introduction of a new scoring system was finally approved at the Badminton World Federation's annual meeting held in Horsens, Denmark. The core is the "best-of-three, 15-point" system.
Instead of the previous best-of-three to 21 points, each game shifts to a first-to-15-points format. If the score is tied 14-14, the side that first achieves a two-point lead wins, and the maximum score is capped at 21 points. In the final third game, players switch courts when one player reaches 8 points, and in each game a 60-second break is given when the leader reaches 8 points.
This revision was chosen to raise the tempo of matches. By lowering the scoring unit, it increases the weight of each point and aims to make overall match time more predictable. It also reflects the view that it can improve efficiency in scheduling and broadcast programming.
Player protection is also an important background. The intent is to reduce the physical burden caused by lengthening rallies and match time and to encourage play with higher concentration. The federation expects this to lower players' risk of injury and have a positive effect on career longevity.
The new system will be applied from early January 2027 after a preparation period.
Badminton Korea Association plans to reorganize the national team's strategy in line with the changes. It intends to continue supporting current national team strengths, such as women's singles Ahn Se-young and men's doubles Seo Seung-jae–Kim Won-ho, so they can remain competitive under the new system.
[Photo] Provided by Badminton Korea Association
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