<p>Former India badminton player and coach Vimal Kumar has strongly criticised the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for introducing a new scoring format, warning that it could dilute the essence of the sport. The BWF’s decision to replace the traditional 3x21 system with a 3x15 format from Jan 2027 has sparked widespread debate, with the Dronacharya Awardee calling the move “disappointing.” In a post on X, Kumar said he was “extremely disappointed” with the decision and even more concerned by the broad support it received from Council members. He argued that the current format ensures fairness across playing styles, especially in singles, which he said reflects the sport’s true demands of skill, endurance, fitness and mental strength.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Extremely disappointed with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decision to alter the scoring system and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from Council members. The current format ensured a level playing field across styles, especially in singles, which he described as embodying "the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength," said Vimal Kumar.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul described the change as a significant step forward, Kumar believes it risks weakening the game’s essence. He pointed out that shortening matches by effectively removing a portion of play could reduce the intensity that defines badminton.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kumar also questioned the rationale behind the shift, saying the idea of creating “early excitement” seemed short-sighted. He maintained that badminton already delivers sustained intensity and suggested that, if changes were necessary, they could have been limited to doubles while preserving the traditional format in singles.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-updated-points-table-pbks-retain-top-spot-after-win-over-dc-srh-climb-to-third-1777177201219"><strong>IPL 2026 updated points table: PBKS retain top spot after win over DC; SRH climb to third</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Continuing his criticism, the former India coach also highlighted concerns around governance and player welfare.</p><p><br>"Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice, where no prize money for the World Championships, no meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category and 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," the former India player added.</p><p><br>Kumar also flagged the lack of player consultation in decision-making. "Players are expected to adapt--but are rarely heard," he said, contrasting badminton's approach with other global sports that are evolving by empowering athletes and improving officiating.</p><p><br>Calling the development disheartening, he concluded, "This is not evolution. This is dilution."</p><p><br>Meanwhile, the BWF president, Leeswadtrakul, said the decision marked an important milestone for the future of badminton.<br>"We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation, while continuing to invest in the long-term future of our players," Leeswadtrakul said as quoted by BWF.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read - </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-won-yesterday-s-ipl-2026-match-between-rajasthan-royals-vs-sunrisers-hyderabad-check-result-1777180939350"><strong>Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad? check result</strong></a></p><p><br>"The 3x15 scoring system is intended to deliver more exciting and competitive badminton, improved scheduling, more consistent match durations, and potential benefits for player welfare and recovery. By bringing high-pressure moments earlier and creating tighter scores and more dramatic finishes, the format aims to keep fans engaged from the first rally to the last," the BWF President added.</p><p><br>The decision follows a long-term process of testing, analysis, and consultation with Members and stakeholders, and reflects the collective judgement of the BWF membership, guided by a commitment to innovation, player welfare, and supporting players in achieving longer, more successful careers.</p><p><br>The 3x15 scoring system will come into effect on Monday, 4 Jan 2027.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>With inputs from agencies</strong></i></p>

Former India badminton player and coach Vimal Kumar has slammed the BWF over its decision to introduce a new scoring system from 4 Jan, 2027.

Former India badminton player and coach Vimal Kumar has strongly criticised the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for introducing a new scoring format, warning that it could dilute the essence of the sport. The BWF’s decision to replace the traditional 3x21 system with a 3x15 format from Jan 2027 has sparked widespread debate, with the Dronacharya Awardee calling the move “disappointing.” In a post on X, Kumar said he was “extremely disappointed” with the decision and even more concerned by the broad support it received from Council members. He argued that the current format ensures fairness across playing styles, especially in singles, which he said reflects the sport’s true demands of skill, endurance, fitness and mental strength. "Extremely disappointed with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) decision to alter the scoring system and even more concerning is the overwhelming support it has received from Council members. The current format ensured a level playing field across styles, especially in singles, which he described as embodying "the very essence of our sport: skill, resilience, fitness, and mental strength," said Vimal Kumar. While BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul described the change as a significant step forward, Kumar believes it risks weakening the game’s essence. He pointed out that shortening matches by effectively removing a portion of play could reduce the intensity that defines badminton. Kumar also questioned the rationale behind the shift, saying the idea of creating “early excitement” seemed short-sighted. He maintained that badminton already delivers sustained intensity and suggested that, if changes were necessary, they could have been limited to doubles while preserving the traditional format in singles. Also Read - IPL 2026 updated points table: PBKS retain top spot after win over DC; SRH climb to third Continuing his criticism, the former India coach also highlighted concerns around governance and player welfare. "Equally concerning is the continued neglect of player welfare and voice, where no prize money for the World Championships, no meaningful increase in rewards for Singles, the flagship category and 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," the former India player added. Kumar also flagged the lack of player consultation in decision-making. "Players are expected to adapt--but are rarely heard," he said, contrasting badminton's approach with other global sports that are evolving by empowering athletes and improving officiating. Calling the development disheartening, he concluded, "This is not evolution. This is dilution." Meanwhile, the BWF president, 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," Leeswadtrakul said as quoted by BWF. Also Read - Who won yesterday's IPL 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad? check result "The 3x15 scoring system is intended to deliver more exciting and competitive badminton, improved scheduling, more consistent match durations, and potential benefits for player welfare and recovery. By bringing high-pressure moments earlier and creating tighter scores and more dramatic finishes, the format aims to keep fans engaged from the first rally to the last," the BWF President added. The decision follows a long-term process of testing, analysis, and consultation with Members and stakeholders, and reflects the collective judgement of the BWF membership, guided by a commitment to innovation, player welfare, and supporting players in achieving longer, more successful careers. The 3x15 scoring system will come into effect on Monday, 4 Jan 2027. With inputs from agencies

<p>Former India badminton player and coach Vimal Kumar has slammed the BWF over its decision to introduce a new scoring system from 4 Jan, 2027.</p>

'This is not evolution...': Former India shuttler Vimal Kumar criticises BWF’s new scoring system

<p>Saina Nehwal is returning to the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Have trained her since sub junior days,she wants to come back to the academy, and we will help her get even better- P Gopichand <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sainanehwal?src=hash">#sainanehwal</a> <a href="https://t.co/5TbOFpGmrc">pic.twitter.com/5TbOFpGmrc</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/904723599881154560">September 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>She announced her plans on Twitter.</p>

<p>&ldquo;For a while, I&rsquo;ve been thinking about moving my training base back to the Gopichand Academy and I had a discussion about this with Gopi sir,&quot; she wrote.</p>

<p>&quot;... and I am really thankful to him for agreeing to help me again. At this stage in my career, I think he can help me achieve my goals,&rdquo; she added. &nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">For a while I&#39;ve been thinking about moving my training base back to the Gopichand academy and I had a discussion about this with Gopi sir</p>
&mdash; Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/904636420429496320">September 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">and I am really thankful to him for agreeing to help me again . At this stage in my career I think he can help me achieve my goals .</p>
&mdash; Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/904636700869107712">September 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>She also thanked Vimal Kumar, her coach for the last three years.</p>

<p>&ldquo;I&rsquo;m also very thankful to Vimal sir for helping me for the last three years. He helped (me) reach world no.1 in the rankings,&quot; she said.</p>

<p>&quot;And also helped me win two world championships medal silver in 2015 and bronze in 2017 along with many super series titles. I m very happy to b back home and train in Hyderabad, keep supporting friends,&rdquo; she added</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I&#39;m also very thankful to Vimal sir for helping me for the last three years. He helped reach world no.1 in the rankings ..</p>
&mdash; Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/904637078796812288">September 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">And also helped me win two world championships medal silver in 2015 and bronze in 2017 along with many super series titles ..</p>
&mdash; Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) <a href="https://twitter.com/NSaina/status/904637447765614592">September 4, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>At the Gopichand academy, Saina will be working with the SAI-appointed Indonesian coach&nbsp;Mulyo Handoyo.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Saina had left Gopichand in 2014 in less-than-happy circumstances.</p>

<p>She had wanted more attention from Gopichand, who at the time had had to divide his time between her and the upcoming PV Sindhu.&nbsp;</p>

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She had left him in less-than-happy circumstances in 2014

Saina Nehwal is returning to the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad. Have trained her since sub junior days,she wants to come back to the academy, and we will help her get even better- P Gopichand #sainanehwal pic.twitter.com/5TbOFpGmrc — ANI (@ANI) September 4, 2017 × She announced her plans on Twitter. “For a while, I’ve been thinking about moving my training base back to the Gopichand Academy and I had a discussion about this with Gopi sir," she wrote. "... and I am really thankful to him for agreeing to help me again. At this stage in my career, I think he can help me achieve my goals,” she added. For a while I've been thinking about moving my training base back to the Gopichand academy and I had a discussion about this with Gopi sir — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) September 4, 2017 × and I am really thankful to him for agreeing to help me again . At this stage in my career I think he can help me achieve my goals . — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) September 4, 2017 × She also thanked Vimal Kumar, her coach for the last three years. “I’m also very thankful to Vimal sir for helping me for the last three years. He helped (me) reach world no.1 in the rankings," she said. "And also helped me win two world championships medal silver in 2015 and bronze in 2017 along with many super series titles. I m very happy to b back home and train in Hyderabad, keep supporting friends,” she added I'm also very thankful to Vimal sir for helping me for the last three years. He helped reach world no.1 in the rankings .. — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) September 4, 2017 × And also helped me win two world championships medal silver in 2015 and bronze in 2017 along with many super series titles .. — Saina Nehwal (@NSaina) September 4, 2017 × At the Gopichand academy, Saina will be working with the SAI-appointed Indonesian coach Mulyo Handoyo. Saina had left Gopichand in 2014 in less-than-happy circumstances. She had wanted more attention from Gopichand, who at the time had had to divide his time between her and the upcoming PV Sindhu.

Saina Nehwal to move back to Pullela Gopichand academy

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'This is not evolution...': Former India shuttler Vimal Kumar criticises BWF’s new scoring system

Saina Nehwal to move back to Pullela Gopichand academy