New Delhi: Badminton World Federation’s nod to a 3×15 scoring system to replace the existing 21-point system from next year could be a classic example of misplaced priority, says former India chief coach Vimal Kumar, who is astounded by the overwhelming majority the idea received at its annual general meeting.

Put to vote at BWF’s AGM in Horsens, Denmark, it received 198 approvals as against 43 rejections, setting the stage for it to be implemented from January 4, 2027.

Kumar wasn’t amused as he pointed out that a replacing a tried and tested system to generate more excitement, improve scheduling and more consistent match durations, as opined by BWF president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul was a deviation from addressing the real challenges the game faces.

“Extremely disappointed with the BWF decision to alter the scoring system…and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from the Council members. It’s disheartening to see a sport followed so passionately, especially across Asia, being reshaped for reasons that do not address its real challenges,” Kumar said.

“The existing (21-point) format ensured a true level-playing field across playing styles, especially in the premier events — Men’s and Women’s Singles — which have always embodied the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength.”

Apart from Kumar, India’s Olympic medallists PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal have also expressed reservations and favoured the older points system though Leeswadtrakul has insisted that badminton’s essence won’t be compromised and would help in making connection with fans globally for a sustained period of time.

“By effectively reducing the duration (and in essence removing one game’s worth of play — 18 points), 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 — what it has offered is sustained intensity, something very few sports can match,” Kumar opined.

Ratjer than making a wholesale change, BWF would have been better served to introduce it gradually, and emphasis should have been on player welfare and their voices being heard before making key changes, which is not done in badminton unlike other sports.

“If change was necessary, why not apply it selectively to doubles formats, while preserving the integrity of Singles? That would have been a more balanced approach…This is not evolution. This is dilution,” he said.

“Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice: No prize money for the World Championships; No meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category; No implementation of a review/referral system for critical umpiring decisions.

“These are areas that truly needed attention. Badminton is widely regarded among the toughest sports in the world. A 90-minute Singles match can have nearly an hour of shuttle in play — far exceeding many longer-duration sports.

“Yet, instead of strengthening these unique aspects, decisions like this risk undermining them,” Kumar added.

“Players are expected to adapt — but are rarely heard. While other global sports continue to evolve by empowering athletes, improving officiating, and enhancing viewer engagement, badminton seems to be moving in the opposite direction.”