Badminton is set for a major transformation beginning January 2027, with the Badminton World Federation (BWF) introducing new rules and equipment to modernise the sport.
BWF secretary-general Thomas Lund stated that the updates are necessary for the sport’s continued growth and relevance.
“It’s important that these evolutions and innovations are done. We believe that should be pushed and pursued,” Lund said, as quoted by AFP.
Shorter matches, better welfare
The most significant change is the scoring system, which will shift from the current 21 points to 15 points.
Lund explained that this decision was made to make matches more viewer-friendly while also considering the physical well-being of athletes.
“It was also about the welfare of players in terms of recovery,” he noted.
While some traditionalists have expressed concerns that the changes might alter the nature of the game, Lund views them as natural progressions.
“The sport has this DNA, how the game will evolve. I would say this is rather seen as a tweak to the sporting aspects … very much in line with how we see the game being played today.
“Of course, there are some who have doubts about what that will mean for the game. I would say most of the traditionalists or sceptical voices in our community are – as I see it – the ones who are afraid that the sport will change,” he stated.
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New technology for accessibility
Another major development is the testing of synthetic shuttlecocks.
Although natural feather shuttles remain the standard at the highest level, the BWF is looking at alternatives to make the sport more accessible.
“Using synthetic shuttlecocks is also to do with making badminton more affordable at grassroots,” Lund remarked.
Lund emphasised that with over 300 million players globally, cost and durability are key factors.
“I do hope at the highest level that we will be able to have a quality (synthetic) shuttle we can then use more and more across the tours and the major championships over the years,” said the official.
Future stars will rise
Addressing concerns over the retirement of top players like Viktor Axelsen and Carolina Marin, Lund expressed confidence in the sport’s depth.
“We have heard this for 40 years. Others come up and play fantastically … the same will happen with badminton,” Lund was quoted as saying.
He highlighted that badminton remains in a strong position, particularly in Asia, and is ready to thrive in this new era.
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