Vimal Kumar on BWF’s 3×15 Scoring Change: “This Is Not Evolution. This Is Dilution.”
Badminton’s most dramatic scoring change in decades has a vocal critic — and he’s not holding back.
The BWF approved a move from 3×21 to 3×15 points at its Annual General Meeting in Horsens, passing 198 votes to 43. The format kicks in from January 4, 2027. Former India coach Vimal Kumar called it a mistake from the moment it was confirmed.
“This is not evolution. This is dilution,” he said. His concerns go beyond the scoreline: shorter games reduce the sustained intensity that makes badminton unique, players weren’t consulted, and the sport still lacks a review system for umpiring errors. Prize money at the World Championships remains embarrassingly low.
Kumar wrote directly to BWF president Poul-Erik Høyer-Larsen urging a rethink. The vote is done. The backlash is just getting started.