While the Badminton World Federation (BWF) has approved a new scoring system to take effect next year, the Badminton Association of India (BAI) has announced it will adopt the Best-of-Three Games, First-to-15 points (3×15) format in domestic tournaments from July 2026.In a letter to all affiliated associations, the BAI confirmed that the new 3×15 scoring system will be implemented in domestic ranking tournaments and national championships for the Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17 age groups. “The BWF has approved the new scoring system from 2027 onwards. However, with the objective of preparing players, coaches, technical officials and stakeholders for the transition, it has been decided that all upcoming domestic ranking and national championships in the above categories shall be conducted using the 3×15 scoring method with effect from July 2026,” the BAI circular stated.“This will make the sport faster and more consistent, while requiring stakeholders to place greater emphasis on fitness. Competition in India is extremely intense, and preparing young shuttlers for the new fast-paced format is crucial. The new points system will focus more on fitness and enhance players’ ability to react quickly,” said Surinder Mahajan, joint secretary of the BAI.The BWF has previously said the new system offers a strong and sustainable foundation for the sport’s future. It outperformed both the 3×21 system and the alternative 5×11 format in a data review. The decision was taken at the BWF’s annual general meeting in April, held in Horsens, Denmark, alongside the Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026.Meanwhile, as per the new BAI scoring system, the matches will remain the best of three games, with each played to 15 points—replacing the previous 21-point target. The rally-point scoring will remain unchanged, with a point awarded on every rally. At 14-14, a game will be decided by a two-point lead, and a maximum of 21 points will be applied. In case of 20-20, the winner of the next point will bag the game. In the deciding third game, players will change ends, when a side first reaches eight points and a 60-second mid-game interval will be allowed, when the leading score reaches eight points. The 120-second intervals will between games will remain unchanged, and the side winning a game shall serve the first in the next game.The BAI has also advised state units to inform players, coaches and stakeholders of the changes. To ensure early adaptation, the association has encouraged state bodies to introduce the new scoring system in their respective state ranking tournaments and championships at their discretion.