HORSENS, Denmark, April 25 (Xinhua) — The Badminton World Federation (BWF) membership has approved the adoption of a 3×15 scoring system, with the new format set to take effect on January 4, 2027, the sport’s world governing body announced on Saturday.
The proposal was passed by the required two-thirds majority of votes cast at the 87th BWF Annual General Meeting held in Horsens, Denmark, BWF said in a press release.
BWF president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul said the decision marked an important milestone for the future of badminton. “We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long-term future of our players,” she said.
According to BWF, the 3×15 scoring system is intended to make badminton more exciting and competitive, improve scheduling, produce more consistent match durations, and bring potential benefits for player welfare and recovery.
Leeswadtrakul said the format aims to create tighter scores and more dramatic finishes by bringing high-pressure moments earlier in matches, helping keep fans engaged from the first rally to the last.
The decision followed a long process of testing, analysis and consultation with BWF members and stakeholders, the federation said.
The decision marks badminton’s most significant scoring reform in two decades. Under the new 3×15 scoring system, matches will still be played as the best of three games. Each game will be won by the side that first reaches 15 points with a two-point lead. If the score reaches 20-all, the side scoring the 21st point will win the game.
Under the current scoring system, badminton matches are generally played as the best of three games. Each game is won by the side that first reaches 21 points with a two-point lead, though if the score reaches 29-all, the side scoring the 30th point wins. The side winning a rally adds one point, regardless of which side served.
The current 3×21 rally-point scoring system was introduced in 2006, replacing the previous 15-point format, under which points were scored only by the serving side. ■
