Gopichand warns BWF's new scoring system could change badminton forever
Pullela Gopichand anticipates a thrilling shift in badminton dynamics due to the new scoring system. Players will be compelled to develop greater agility, strength, and mental toughness for the condensed format. Particularly, doubles teams may face the steepest adjustments. Gopichand raises concerns about the BWF's decision to lessen player workload, suggesting that this change may favour swift…
India's chief national coach Pullela Gopichand has expressed concerns that the International Badminton Federation's (BWF) new 15-point scoring system could fundamentally alter the sport of badminton. The BWF has approved the transition from the current best-of-three games to 21 points to a 15x3 format, starting from the next year.
Gopichand, who has firsthand experience of a similar scoring change during his playing career, warned that the transition may not be smooth, with some players thriving while others may struggle to adapt. He explained that the shorter format would put greater emphasis on speed, power, and mental resilience, with every point carrying more significance.
Gopichand also predicted that the crucial points in the game would shift to the 11th and 12th points, making pressure moments arrive earlier in matches. Doubles specialists are likely to face the biggest impact due to the serve, serve-return, and attack phases becoming even more decisive. While acknowledging the potential benefits of the shorter format, Gopichand questioned the logic behind the BWF's claim that it would reduce player workload, suggesting that extending the tournament schedule over a 10-12-day period would have been a more effective approach.
Gopichand also expressed concern that the change could alter badminton's identity by favoring flatter, faster exchanges over creative stroke play.
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