Badminton will lose its identity if too many changes are introduced.
Several former internationals feel that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) should look at other ways to popularise the sport, instead of making drastic changes to the game.
Last year, BWF indicated that synthetic shuttlecocks will be introduced in top-tier tournaments. Previously, the world body indicated that the 11-point scoring system will likely replace the existing 21-point format.
While the 11-point scoring system did not garner enough votes, BWF seem determined to make it happen.
“I understand that BWF want to keep the sport relevant but why change something that is already well received?
“I don’t see people complaining about how long a tennis match goes on for, or even a cricket match, for that matter.
“Badminton is a long-standing sport like the rest and it has an identity. We don’t want to lose that,” said former Thomas Cup winner Rashid Sidek.
Rashid, a former BA of Malaysia (BAM) coach, is also not keen on the introduction of synthetic shuttlecocks.
“I feel the game will change a lot for players who are used to the current shuttlecocks.”
Another former international, Datuk James Selvaraj, believes changes should be introduced to junior shuttlers and not at senior level.
“If you really want to make changes, do it at the junior level. Only then, can we see a smooth transition.
“Senior players will not adapt well. I don’t see the point in making them change now,” said James.
As of now, nothing has been cast in stone. Even the BWF annual general meeting (AGM) hangs in the balance amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The AGM is scheduled for August in Aarhus, Denmark, together with the Thomas and Uber Cups, but it remains to be seen if the world body would postpone it following strict directives from the Danish government.