As badminton stands on the brink of a potential rule shift, former World No. 1 Saina Nehwal has voiced a strong appeal for balance between innovation and tradition. With the Badminton World Federation (BWF) proposing a significant change to the sport’s scoring format, Saina believes the essence of the game must not be compromised.
The governing body has suggested moving from the existing 3×21 scoring system to a shorter 3×15 format. The proposal is set to be voted upon at the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens on April 25. Saina, who recently joined the advisory board of the International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.), emphasized that any such transformation should be approached with careful consideration.
“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,” Saina said.
“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.
“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.”
The proposed changes come alongside a revamped structure for the BWF World Tour. Under the new format, Super 1000 events will feature 48 singles players competing in a group stage followed by knockout rounds, while doubles competitions will consist of 32-pair knockout draws. Each of these premier tournaments is expected to span 11 days across two weekends.
Beyond format changes, Saina also highlighted a growing concern among players- the demanding international calendar. She stressed that the sport’s increasing physical intensity, combined with a packed schedule, leaves athletes vulnerable to fatigue and long-term injuries.
“Badminton is always a very tough sport both physically and mentally. 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.”
As the badminton world awaits a crucial decision in April, Saina’s remarks underline a broader sentiment within the sport, that progress must not come at the cost of its core identity or the well-being of its players.
