Saina Nehwal 
Sports

21-point system has worked well: Saina

Doubles events will feature 32pair knockout draws, and each Super 1000 tournament will run for 11 days across two weekends.

Agencies

NEW DELHI: Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal has urged the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to exercise caution regarding proposed scoring changes, maintaining that the current 21-point system preserves the sport's essential intensity and endurance.

Any change in scoring or format should be carefully considered. Focus should remain on fair competition and spirit of the game
– Saina Nehwal, Indian badminton star

The game's governing body (BWF) has proposed switching to a 3x15 scoring format from the current 3x21 system, with a membership vote on the change scheduled at the BWF Annual General Meeting in Horsens, Denmark, on April 25.

"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, who joined the advisory board of India's International Movement to Unite Nations (I.I.M.U.N.), said in an interview.

"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."

According to the revamped BWF World Tour, the five Super 1000 tournaments, to be staged across Asia and Europe, will introduce a new format in singles, with 48 players competing in a group stage followed by knockouts.

Doubles events will feature 32pair knockout draws, and each Super 1000 tournament will run for 11 days across two weekends.

Saina feels BWF must prioritise player welfare, saying the packed international calendar leaves little room for recovery and can lead to injuries and burnout among shuttlers.

"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."

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