The Chandigarh Badminton Association (CBA) will introduce the new scoring system approved by the Badminton Association of India (BAI) during the second edition of the North Zone Cash Prize Badminton Tournament. Scheduled from July 11 to 13 at the Sector 38 sports complex, the event will feature matches played under the best-of-three games format, with each game played to 15 points instead of the previous 21 points.
New Scoring Format Details
Under the revised BAI scoring system, rally-point scoring remains 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 take 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 Badminton World Federation (BWF) had approved implementing the new scoring system last month, which will come into effect next year. However, the BAI announced the adoption of the 3x15 format in domestic tournaments from July this year.
Age Categories and Events
The tournament will include boys and girls singles for under-11, under-13, under-15, and under-17 categories. Boys and girls doubles will be conducted for under-13, under-15, and under-17 categories. Notably, the CBA has decided to apply the new scoring system even in the under-11 age group, whereas the BAI had stated that the new system would start from under-13 age group.
Officials' Comments
“It will be the first BAI-approved and CBA-organised tournament to be conducted under the new scoring system. We have already trained our technical staff to follow the new rules,” said Surinder Mahajan, senior vice-president (Administration), CBA.
Increased Prize Money
During a recent general house meeting of the CBA, chaired by Vijayendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Haryana, and president, CBA, along with senior vice-presidents Mahajan and Col Raj Parmar, the association decided to increase prize money for the tournament. Winners in each category will receive enhanced cash awards.
- Under-11: Winner Rs 6,000, runner-up Rs 4,000, two joint third Rs 2,000 each.
- Under-13: Winner Rs 7,000, runner-up Rs 5,000, two joint third Rs 2,500 each.
- Under-15: Winner Rs 8,000, runner-up Rs 6,000, two joint third Rs 3,000 each.
- Under-17: Winner Rs 9,000, runner-up Rs 7,000, two joint third Rs 3,000 each.
In doubles events, only the top two finishers will be awarded: for boys, Rs 7,000 and Rs 5,000; for girls, Rs 6,000 and Rs 5,000. Entries for the tournament will be accepted until July 5.
