BAI to implement new 3x15 scoring system in domestic badminton from July 2026

The Badminton Association of India (BAI) announced in Hyderabad that it will implement the Badminton World Federation’s (BWF) new 3×15 scoring system across all domestic tournaments starting July 2026. The transition is designed to help Indian shuttlers adapt to the tactical and physical demands of the format before its global rollout in January 2027.

The new system will debut at the Yonex-Sunrise All India Senior Ranking Badminton Tournament, which is scheduled to take place at the Regional Sports Centre in Ernakulam from July 7 to 14, 2026.

Under the revised format, matches will remain best-of-three games using the rally-point system, but each game will be played to 15 points instead of the traditional 21. If the score reaches 14-all, a player or pair must secure a two-point lead to win. If the game reaches 20-all, the next point will be decisive, capping the game at 21 points.

The physical and tactical flow of the game will also change under the new rules. The mid-game interval will occur when the leading player or pair reaches eight points, featuring a 60-second break and a change of ends during the third game. The 120-second interval between games will remain the same, and the winner of the prior game will continue to serve first.

The scoring change will apply uniformly across all levels of domestic badminton in India. This includes Zonal Championships, Domestic Ranking Tournaments for Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, Senior, and Masters categories, as well as National Championships from the Under-11 level up to Seniors and Masters.

Sanjay Mishra, General Secretary of the BAI, stated that the decision was made to ensure uniformity and facilitate better preparation for all stakeholders. He noted that the early rollout will allow players across all age groups to develop competitive adaptability, ensuring a smooth transition when the system is adopted internationally.