Kuala Lumpur: By a single vote, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Membership has rejected Saturday a proposed amendment that would have given BWF the power to change the badminton scoring system from 21×3 to 11×5.
It was reported a total of 282 votes were cast, and BWF received 66.31% for (187 votes) and 33.69% against (95 votes), falling just short of the two-thirds (188 votes) majority required to move forward with the scoring system change.
The BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer posted the message below on BWF’s official website to thank the Membership for their vote.
“Our Membership has spoken, and despite the very small margin in which the two-thirds majority was not reached, the BWF respects the outcome to retain the three games to 21 points scoring system,” Hoyer said.
“It is now the second time such a proposal has not been approved, but I see the fantastic participation of the Membership and the decision reached today as an indication that the badminton community is very much engaged in the best interests of the sport during these difficult and challenging times. So, for that, I thank everyone for their role in this process.”
“While the proposed scoring system change has been part of my vision to make badminton more exciting and to increase the entertainment value for stakeholders and fans, this will not deter us from continuing our efforts to increase excellence in badminton for all concerned in line with our Strategic Plan 2020-2024.”
The world No. 2 men’s singles player, Viktor Axelsen said jokingly on Twitter that he thought there would be a different outcome and hoped the scoring system could be change to 7×3 system when he turns 34+.
I actually thought we would’ve seen a different outcome https://t.co/YtrYZyDaS6
— Viktor Axelsen (@ViktorAxelsen) May 22, 2021
When I turn 34+ can someone please propose 3 sets to 7 points scoring system? 👴🏻
— Viktor Axelsen (@ViktorAxelsen) May 22, 2021
The 11×5 system was voted in 2018, but the proposal failed to gain the necessary two-thirds majority with 129 votes supporting the change and 123 opposing it. The current 21×3 format has been in use since 2006.
Meanwhile, BWF president Poul-Erik Hoyer (Denmark), deputy president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul (Thailand), and vice-president for para-badminton Paul Kurzo (Switzerland) have retained their posts unopposed.
