Pullela Gopichand Warns of Major Changes in Badminton Due to New Scoring System
Pullela Gopichand, the chief national coach of India, has raised concerns about the Badminton World Federation's (BWF) decision to implement a 15-point scoring system starting next year. He believes this change could fundamentally transform badminton, potentially disadvantaging some players while benefiting others.
The BWF's new format will replace the current best-of-three games to 21 points, a move the organization claims will help reduce player workload amid a busy international schedule. Gopichand, who experienced a similar scoring change during his playing career, warns that such transitions can have serious consequences for athletes' performance and endurance.
He noted that the new scoring system would emphasize speed, power, and mental resilience, making every point more critical. Gopichand also highlighted that doubles players might face the most significant challenges, as the serve and attack phases will become increasingly decisive. He questioned the BWF's rationale for the change, suggesting that extending tournament schedules could have achieved the intended goal of reducing player fatigue without altering the scoring format.
