[Saba Sports News] Malaysian badminton legend Lee Chong Wei believes the current 21-point scoring system does not need to be reformed, yet he implies he understands the reasons behind the Badminton World Federation (BWF)’s push for a switch to the 15-point system. He also joked that at the age of 43, he could even come out of retirement if the new scoring system were adopted.Lee Chong Wei stated that the best-of-three 15-point format might allow older players to extend their careers. He added that he would not be surprised to see 36-year-old CHOU Tien-Chen continue competing under the revised scoring rules. Lee revealed that he hopes the BWF will take into account the views of grassroots players before making a final decision. At present, most people remain reserved about the change, as the 15-point system has only been tested in some Level 3 tournaments and the BWF World Junior Championships, but has yet to be implemented in top-tier competitions.In response, the BWF argues that reducing the points will help with scheduling and streamline tournament operations, improve broadcast stability, assist players with recovery, and reduce fatigue.
In my opinion, Lee Chong Wei’s reservations represent the defense of badminton’s traditional sporting essence, highlighting the value of skill, stamina, and tactical depth. The BWF, on the other hand, is driving the reform from the perspectives of commercialization, athlete well-being, and event efficiency. The two sides are not completely opposed, yet their core conflict lies in whether badminton should prioritize preserving its competitive depth or adapt to the fast-paced demands of modern entertainment.