'You Need To Be...': PV Sindhu Breaks Silence On BWF's Latest 15-Point Format

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 21:01 IST

PV Sindhu says that BWF's new 15x3 badminton scoring aids senior shuttlers but demands constant alertness, warning shorter games leave no room for slow starts.

Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu has said that although the new 15-point system is advantageous for older athletes, one will need to be on their feet at all times to ensure that the match doesn’t get away from their hands quickly.

The Badminton World Federation has approved the 15×3 scoring system, which will come into effect from January 4. The new format has drawn mixed reactions from current and former Indian shuttlers.

Sindhu, who heads the BWF Athletes Commission, had earlier said that “the majority still feel the 21-point system is better for badminton in terms of charm, rhythm and tactical depth."

On Friday, Sindhu talked about the 15×3 scoring format after she lost to Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the Thailand Open quarterfinals in Bangkok.

“Yeah, I think it’s advantageous, but you need to be quick on your feet from the beginning. You cannot settle in; there is no time for you to settle in. You need to be attacking and quick on your feet from the beginning," Sindhu said.

“It is going to be very strenuous; at the same time, you have to be so alert. You know it gets exhausting at times, because you are always like everywhere," Sindhu added.

Sindhu also felt that the 15×3 system may be good for the more senior shuttlers, as the matches will tend to be shorter.

“Yeah, I think definitely yes. For senior players, I think it would definitely help them a lot, because you know, they would want to prolong, play for the next 2-3 years more, because the game gets shorter," Sindhu said.

The two-time Olympic medallist doesn’t agree that the new system will reduce the load on the shuttlers.

“I don’t think the load would be the same, because if it is 21 points, you still have that space to give those five points and then again come back. Whereas in the 15-point system, you don’t have that space," Sindhu said.

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