Badminton Introduces New 15×3 Scoring System at National Tournament
The Yonex-Sunrise All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament in Ernakulam will be the first to showcase badminton’s new 15×3 scoring system. This national event is scheduled from July 7 to July 14 at the Regional Sports Centre.
In April, the Badminton World Federation approved this updated scoring method, aimed at making matches quicker and more exciting.
Understanding the 15×3 Scoring System
While the core format of a best-of-three match remains the same, players will now compete to 15 points instead of the traditional 21. The two-point lead rule at 14-all will still apply, but matches will conclude at 21 points, where a decisive rally will occur at 20-20—a shift from needing to reach 30 in previous setups.
Mid-game breaks will now take place when one player or pair scores 8 points, with a change of ends during the third game, accompanied by a 60-second rest. The regular two-minute break between games stays unchanged, and the winner of the last game continues to serve first.
Why India is Leading the Way
The Badminton Association of India (BAI) aims to ensure a smooth transition for players and coaches ahead of the global rollout of the new scoring system set for January 2027. BAI General Secretary Sanjay Mishra stated, “We want to create consistency in competition and help everyone get used to the new format well in advance.”
This proactive approach is intended to help players of all ages become familiar with the revised rules, ensuring they’re ready when the new system is adopted worldwide.
Future Competitions under the 15×3 System
Starting July 2026, the 15×3 scoring system will be implemented across all levels of Indian badminton. This includes Zonal Championships and Ranking Tournaments for various age groups—from Under-11 to Senior categories—along with all National Championships.
The goal is to ensure that every player is well-prepared for international competition. A recent press release from the BAI emphasized that this move will help Indian athletes adapt to the new scoring style and maintain the nation’s strong position in global badminton.
