New Delhi, May 5: Top men’s doubles player Chirag Shetty on Tuesday said that badminton’s new 15-point format is not drastically different from the traditional 21-point system, which tested endurance and offered a complete challenge, but acknowledged that the shorter format will tilt the game more towards speed and power.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) recently approved the adoption of the 15×3 scoring system at its Annual General Meeting in Denmark, with the proposal acquiring the required two-thirds majority of votes cast.
The 15×3 scoring system, which will come into effect from January 4, 2027, has received a mixed response from former and current Indian players.
Chirag, India’s top-ranked doubles player alongside Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and a two-time world championships bronze medallist, said that having also experienced the 11-point, best-of-five format some years back, the 15-point system does not represent a drastic shift.
“I think six or seven years back, they (BWF) were planning to change it to 11×5 games. I think that’s the time when we all as players collectively didn’t want that to happen because it would have completely changed the way a match would be played,” said Chirag during an interaction facilitated by the Sports Authority of India.
“I have played the 11×5 games tournaments and I think they were really, really quick and you barely had time to regroup because by the time you were actually ready, you’re already two games down.
“So, I think it would have completely changed the sport. But 15-point format is sort of still similar to what 21 is. Yes, 21×3 did test your endurance and your power. It was a very complete format but I think 15×3 now will become purely based on speed and power,” said Chirag.
Chirag added the 15×3 format could favour big smashers like him, as the physically demanding nature of power hitting is easier to sustain over shorter games than in the grind of a 21-point match going the distance.
“I think the ones who are really hard slashers and are quick, they can actually sustain until the very end, whereas in 21-point format you couldn’t do that for three games at a stretch… and for five rounds if you play until the finals.
“But now, I think playing 15 points… your body would be able to take it. The rallies might become short because players will be starting from the (get-) go and they will want to start off on a good note.”
On whether it will enhance spectator appeal, Chirag said the answer will only become clear in the months ahead.
As for stalwart HS Prannoy, who played a pivotal role in India’s Thomas Cup triumph in 2022 against Indonesia, the 33-year-old said he couldn’t speak for himself, adding that someone as young as Lakshya Sen would be better placed to assess it.
He though admitted that he isn’t a big fan of the 15-point system. He wondered whether the 15×3 format would give spectators their money’s worth, noting that matches could end too quickly. (PTI)
