Coach Gopichand cautions that BWF's 15-point system could reshape badminton

At a pre-World Championships event in New Delhi, India’s chief national badminton coach Pullela Gopichand expressed concern over the Badminton World Federation's decision to adopt a 15-point, best-of-three format from next year. He noted that the condensed scoring will reward speed, power and mental toughness, with crucial pressure points emerging earlier in matches. Drawing on his own experience of previous scoring reforms, Gopichand warned that some players could struggle to adapt, especially doubles teams that rely on serve and attack dynamics.

Although the BWF claims the change will reduce player fatigue amid a crowded calendar, Gopichand argued that extending tournament durations could achieve the same goal and that the new system may diminish the sport's creative stroke play. He predicts a mixed outcome: a few athletes may thrive while others could be pushed out of the elite level.