KUALA LUMPUR — The Badminton World Federation (BWF), in collaboration with the Badminton Association of India (BAI), will introduce two innovations at this year’s World Junior Championships, set to take place in Guwahati this October.
An updated team relay format will be implemented for the mixed team competition. Under this system, teams will compete in a best-of-three sets format, with each set comprising five matches — one each of boys’ singles, girls’ singles, boys’ doubles, girls’ doubles, and mixed doubles — played up to a total of 45 points.
A version of this format was first tested at last year’s edition in China, where it received encouraging feedback from players and officials. The new format builds on those findings and has been refined for implementation in Guwahati.
For the individual events, the BWF will also trial a new 3×15 point scoring system, as part of its broader initiative to test and gather data on potential reforms aimed at modernising the sport.
This format has already been trialled at several junior and lower-tier tournaments, including the National Under-18 Championships in Perak in April.
Both the revised team format and the new individual scoring system were approved by the BWF Council during its recent annual general meeting in Xiamen, China.
BWF secretary-general Thomas Lund praised BAI and the local organising committee for embracing the federation’s push for innovation.
“We are delighted to present a forward-thinking championships promoting innovation for badminton and reflecting a progressive and modern approach by BAI, Guwahati and BWF,” said Lund in a statement today.
“This is part of BWF’s wider long-term considerations for innovation in events and event delivery. The broader goal remains to modernise badminton in ways that protect athlete wellbeing while making the sport even more exciting and engaging for global audiences.
“It is essential that this process remains inclusive and well-informed, with any future decision guided by evidence, wide consultation, and what is in the best interest of badminton worldwide.”
Virtual workshops will be held for team managers and coaches prior to the tournament to ensure all stakeholders are aligned with the new competition regulations and procedures.
The BWF will also conduct stakeholder surveys and collect detailed match data to support future decisions regarding potential changes to the sport’s format.
“We look forward to an exciting and successful staging of the World Junior Championships, showcasing our most promising up-and-coming badminton stars,” Lund added. – June 4, 2025