Gopichand warns new badminton scoring may wipe out players

The Story in Brief

India coach Pullela Gopichand says badminton’s planned 15×3 scoring system could eliminate some players while helping others. The format, approved by the Badminton World Federation, will replace three games of 21 points next year, with the BWF citing player workload in a crowded calendar. Gopichand said shorter games would reward speed, power, focus and mental strength, especially at 11-12 points and during 13-14 or 15-14 situations.

He expects doubles players to face the sharpest change, with serve, return and attack becoming more important. Gopichand said the format may favour flatter rallies and reduce room for elaborate stroke-making. He questioned shortening games while extending tournaments, saying longer 10-12-day events could have provided rest. He also said H.S. Prannoy and Kidambi Srikanth might benefit, though faster movement could raise injury risks.

The Indian Opinion

The easy narrative is that shorter games will automatically make badminton faster, better and safer. Gopichand’s account points to trade-offs: more pressure on each point, possible injury risks and less space for varied stroke play. The opposite claim, that veterans will simply be finished, is just as sweeping. Players and coaches need evidence across singles and doubles, not predictions alone. The useful test is whether injury rates and match quality improve after a full season.

Source: thehindu.com

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