BWF considers 15-point scoring system; Korean players voice concerns
“Increasing world tour competitions… to protect players”
Ahn Se-young, Seo Seung-jae, and Kim Won-ho could be affected
Korea Badminton Association prepares for potential changes
Se-young Ahn celebrates after winning the women’s singles title at the 2025 Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, on December 21, 2025. Hangzhou = Xinhua Newsis
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is moving toward a significant rule change, potentially shortening sets from 21 to 15 points, and the Korean national team is already strategizing how to adapt. The proposed change, aimed at reducing player fatigue amid an expanding world tour schedule, is slated for a vote at the BWF’s annual general meeting in Denmark this April.
The BWF piloted the 15-point system at select national competitions in April 2025 and at the World Junior Championships in October, receiving board approval in December. Officials explain the shift is “a measure to reduce the physical burden on players due to the expansion of world tour competitions.” If approved, the new system is expected to launch early next year. The current 21-point system will remain in place through the September 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the 2026 World Tour Finals, with the 15-point system taking effect in January 2027.
Athletes will have roughly four months of international competition to adjust to the new format before ranking points for the 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Olympic Games begin accumulating from May 1 to April 30, 2028.
Kim Won-ho (right) and Seo Seung-jae celebrate their men’s doubles victory over China’s Liang Weikeng and Wang Chang 2-0 (21-18, 21-14) at the 2025 BWF World Tour Finals in Hangzhou, China, on December 21, 2025. Hangzhou = Xinhua Newsis
The potential impact on the dominant Korean team is a key concern. Ahn Se-young, currently ranked No. 1 in women’s singles, and the top-ranked men’s doubles duo of Seo Seung-jae and Kim Won-ho are known for their stamina and ability to overcome early deficits. Some worry that a shorter set format could disadvantage this style of play. “Our players sometimes fall behind 5-0, 6-0, or 7-0 initially,” said Samsung Life Insurance coach Gil Young-ah. “While they can recover in the 21-point system, it may be more difficult to catch up in a 15-point set.” She stressed the need to minimize early errors and play aggressively from the start.
The Korea Badminton Association and the national team are actively developing response strategies. Association president Kim Dong-moon stated, “It is highly likely that the new system will be passed at the April general meeting. We are discussing the timing of application for domestic competitions, and it is likely to be implemented immediately after the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.” Plans are underway to potentially run the National Sports Festival or unemployment league games under the 15-point system in the latter half of the year.
The national team is also refining its game management approach. Coach Park Joo-bong acknowledged Ahn Se-young’s tendency to start slowly but believes adjustments are possible. “We just need to change the game management to attack quickly and aggressively from the beginning,” he said. “We plan to practice this during our training sessions. The adjustment period is sufficient.”
Jinju Kim
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