Badminton to adopt new 15-point scoring system

The 21-point scoring system that has defined international badminton for the past two decades will be replaced by a 15-point format starting next year.

The Badminton World Federation said on its website on April 26 that its annual general meeting approved, by more than a two-thirds majority of member associations, a switch to a best-of-three games format played to 15 points. The decision effectively ends the 21-point system introduced in 2006 after this year.

The change is expected to significantly alter match dynamics and strategy. With early momentum becoming more important, players are likely to adopt a more aggressive approach from the outset rather than relying on endurance and late comebacks.

The shift could prove challenging for South Korean players. Women’s world No. 1 An Se-young, along with men’s doubles top-ranked pair Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho, have traditionally leaned on stamina and defensive resilience to wear down opponents in the latter stages of matches.

South Korea national team head coach Park Joo-bong said training methods will need to be adjusted as players adapt to a format that reduces opportunities for late comebacks, a hallmark of the team’s usual style of play.

He added that the change could also bring some benefits. National team players, including An Se-young, have frequently pointed to fatigue from a congested competition schedule and have occasionally dealt with injuries. Park said the shorter format may help ease physical strain and could contribute to better fatigue management.


김정훈 기자 hun@donga.com