KUALA LUMPUR – The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) is not waiting around following the approval of the new 15x3 scoring format, with preparations already underway ahead of its planned implementation in 2027.
Speaking to Scoop from Horsens, Denmark, BAM deputy president Datuk V. Subramaniam said the national body has moved swiftly to align its structures, coaching methods, and competitions with the incoming changes.
“At the recent Badminton World Federation (BWF) annual general meeting, the 15x3 scoring format was tabled and approved, while the proposal on the synthetic shuttlecock was not brought forward for a vote.
“Although there were discussions at the council level regarding the synthetic shuttlecock, no decision has been made. For us in BAM, we are focusing on what has already been confirmed, and that is the 15x3 format,” he said.
Subramaniam stressed that BAM has already begun laying the groundwork well ahead of the targeted implementation date of January 4, 2027.
“We are using this period to prepare ourselves thoroughly. We have informed all our coaches and have started adjusting our training plans and schedules accordingly.
“There is also a strong emphasis on ensuring our younger coaches understand the changes, so they are equipped to guide the next generation of players. This is not just about elite athletes, but about preparing the entire system,” he added.
He revealed that BAM has also taken early steps by introducing elements of the new format in domestic competitions to ease the transition.
“In the Under-18 Petronas Championship, which began on April 22, we have already started implementing aspects of the format. In fact, we introduced similar changes in selected tournaments last year as part of a gradual transition.
“The idea is to expose players early, allow them to adapt, and ensure that when the format is fully enforced at the international level, our players will be ready,” he said.
At the BWF AGM held on Saturday in Horsens, the proposal to adopt the 15x3 scoring system received overwhelming support, with 198 votes in favour and 43 against.
The change, set to take effect in 2027, marks the third major scoring overhaul in badminton history.
The sport initially used the 15x3 format with service exchange before moving to the 11x5 system, and later adopting the current 21x3 rally scoring format.
Other experimental systems, including 5x7 and a first-to-110 points format in junior competitions, have also been tested over the years.
The BWF previously said the new format is expected to make matches more exciting and competitive, enabling faster progression to crucial points while shortening match durations.
The world body added that reducing the number of points could improve scheduling, enhance tournament flow and provide greater consistency for broadcasters, while also supporting player recovery and reducing fatigue. - April 27, 2026
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