The world of badminton is always evolving, and the BWF (Badminton World Federation) is not one to shy away from innovation. This October, the upcoming BWF World Junior Championships 2025 in Guwahati, India, will become the testing ground for a revolutionary new scoring system: the 3×45 point format. This marks a significant departure from the traditional 3×21 rally point system and even the more recent 110-point relay format trialled in 2024. As the badminton community buzzes with discussions and anticipation, let’s break down this new format, exploring its mechanics, potential benefits, and the questions it raises.
Understanding the 3×45 System
At its core, the 3×45 point system is designed specifically for team events. Instead of a single match comprising one of each category, the new format is structured as a best-of-three-set match. A team needs to win two sets to clinch the victory.
The most distinctive feature lies within each set. Every set is composed of five individual “games” or categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Each of these five games is played to 9 points, with no setting. This means that if the score reaches 8-8, the first team to score the ninth point wins the game. The total points for a set are 45 (5 games x 9 points). The team that wins two sets, regardless of the individual game scores, wins the entire tie.
The rules also include provisions for player rotation, allowing each player to participate in a maximum of three games per set. This adds a crucial strategic element, as team managers must meticulously plan their lineups and substitutions. The format also introduces structured intervals, providing brief pauses for coaching and on-the-fly tactical adjustments.
The Pros: A Faster, More Strategic Game
One of the primary goals of the 3×45 system is to create more dynamic and engaging matches, particularly for junior players. The shorter games to 9 points mean that every rally, every point, carries immense weight. There is no room for a slow start or a lapse in focus. This high-pressure environment is excellent for developing the mental fortitude and clutch performance of young athletes.
Furthermore, the new system puts a premium on team depth and strategic flexibility. With each set consisting of five different categories and a player able to play up to three games, a team can’t simply rely on one or two star players. Victory requires a solid contribution from all members of the squad. Coaches will have to think more creatively about their lineup, potentially saving their strongest players for crucial moments or spreading them out to secure key points. The ability to substitute one player mid-match also adds another layer of tactical intrigue. This format encourages a more holistic approach to team building, where every player’s role is vital.
The Cons and Open Questions
While the 3×45 system presents an exciting evolution, it’s not without its potential drawbacks and concerns. The no-setting rule at 8-8 can be a double-edged sword. While it speeds up the game, it also introduces an element of unpredictability that some may argue diminishes the quality of play. A player who has dominated a game could lose it on a single, lucky point, which might feel unfair. The short, 9-point games could also prevent players from finding their rhythm and building momentum, turning matches into a series of short sprints rather than a strategic marathon.
Another point of contention is the emphasis on a “team” score rather than individual performance. In this format, a single player’s dominant win (e.g., 9-0) counts for the same 9 points as a narrow victory (9-8). This could be seen as de-emphasizing individual brilliance and the pure skill of one-on-one combat that badminton is celebrated for. The format also makes it more difficult for a single exceptional player to carry a weaker team on their back, which could change the dynamic of how teams are structured and how matches are approached.
The 3×45 point system is a bold experiment by the BWF. It aims to make junior team events more exciting, unpredictable, and strategically demanding. While it promises a faster pace and a greater emphasis on team depth, the format’s potential to reduce the significance of individual battles and introduce a higher degree of luck remains a topic of debate. The badminton world will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds at the World Junior Championships 2025 and whether it becomes the future of the sport’s team events.