Horsens, Denmark – Olympic medalist Saina Nehwal has publicly urged the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to proceed with caution regarding proposed changes to the scoring system, arguing that the current 21-point format is integral to the sport’s intensity and endurance. The BWF is set to vote on a shift to a 3×15 scoring system at its Annual General Meeting on April 25th in Horsens, Denmark.
Nehwal, a towering figure in Indian badminton, emphasized the sport’s rich history and the unique demands of premier tournaments like the All England Open Badminton Championships and the BWF World Championships. “Badminton has a rich tradition, and tournaments like the All England Open Badminton Championships and the BWF World Championships have always been special because of their intensity and endurance factor,” Nehwal stated, according to PTI. “Any change in scoring or format should be carefully considered. The current 21-point system has worked well and players have adapted to it over many years.”
The proposed shift to a 3×15 format has sparked debate within the badminton community. Nehwal believes that any alterations must prioritize the quality of rallies and maintain a competitive balance. “If changes are introduced, they should ensure that the quality of rallies and the competitive balance of the sport are not affected. At the end of the day, the focus should remain on fair competition and the spirit of the game,” she added.
Beyond the scoring system, Nehwal likewise addressed concerns regarding the increasingly demanding international calendar and its impact on player welfare. The revamped BWF World Tour, featuring fresh formats for Super 1000 tournaments with 48-player singles group stages and 32-pair doubles knockouts, will see events spanning 11 days across two weekends. This expanded schedule, while aiming to elevate the sport’s profile, raises questions about adequate recovery time for elite athletes.
“Badminton is always a very tough sport both physically and mentally,” Nehwal explained. “The rallies are longer, the speed of the game is higher, and players are competing in tournaments almost every week. The Badminton World Federation has tried to structure the calendar, but from a player’s perspective, recovery time is extremely important. Injuries and fatigue can affect performance and also shorten careers. I feel the schedule should allow better recovery periods between major tournaments, and teams should have more support for sports science and rehabilitation.”
Nehwal’s comments come on the heels of Lakshya Sen’s recent performance at the All England Open, where he finished as runner-up for the second time in three years. She praised Sen’s consistency on the world stage, noting that reaching the final of such a prestigious tournament is a significant achievement. “First of all, reaching the final of All England Open Badminton Championships twice is a substantial achievement. It’s one of the most prestigious tournaments in badminton and the level there is always extremely high,” Nehwal said. “Consistency at that stage shows that Lakshya is doing many things right. Sometimes in sport, the difference between winning and finishing runner-up is just a few points or moments of composure. If a player keeps reaching those stages, it usually means the title is not far away. So I would say it’s a very positive sign. It shows he has the ability and the mindset to compete with the best in the world.”
Looking ahead to the development of young Indian shuttlers, Nehwal highlighted the importance of physical strength, mental fortitude, and tactical awareness. She drew parallels to her own career and that of P.V. Sindhu, emphasizing the dedication to preparation, recovery, and continuous improvement required to maintain a high level of performance. “Consistency at the top level comes from fitness, discipline and mental toughness over many years. Players need to maintain their level across the entire season, not just in a few tournaments,” she stated. “When PV Sindhu and I were competing regularly, the focus was always on preparation, recovery and staying hungry to improve. For the current generation, the key is to keep improving their physical strength, match temperament and tactical awareness so they can perform consistently in the biggest tournaments.”
Beyond her on-court legacy, Nehwal has also taken on a new role as an advisor to India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.). She believes that the values instilled through sports – discipline, leadership, and resilience – are transferable to all aspects of life. “I’ve always believed that sports teaches values like discipline, leadership and resilience, which are also important in life,” Nehwal explained. “Being part of India’s International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.) is special because it gives young people a platform to think globally, develop leadership skills and express their ideas confidently. If my journey can inspire young students to believe in themselves and work hard toward their goals, I feel that would be a meaningful contribution.”
The BWF’s decision on the scoring system will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the future of badminton. Nehwal’s voice, as a decorated athlete and influential figure in the sport, carries significant weight as the governing body weighs the potential benefits and drawbacks of this proposed change. The vote in Denmark on April 25th will be closely watched by players, coaches, and fans worldwide.
Following the BWF’s vote, the badminton world will turn its attention to the upcoming tournaments on the World Tour, with players adapting to the evolving landscape of the sport. The focus will remain on player welfare and ensuring a sustainable future for this dynamic and demanding athletic discipline.
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