Source: REUTERS/IVAN ALVARADO
[Saba Sports News] The International Badminton Federation recently confirmed the transition of the mixed team competition in the Badminton World Youth Championship to a team relay format. Under this system, each match comprises two men’s singles, two women’s singles, two men’s doubles, two women’s doubles, and two mixed doubles matches, with the winning team accruing 110 points. Notably, players participating in consecutive matches will not receive additional rest time. Historical data reveals that the mixed team competition was inaugurated in the World Youth Badminton Championships in 2000, initially biennial before transitioning to an annual event in 2007. The Chinese team boasts unparalleled success in this championship, exemplified by their dominance in the 2023 edition, clinching 3 golds, 2 silvers, and 2 bronzes, reclaiming the mixed team title after a five-year hiatus. As early as 2020, attempts were made to modify the competition format to an 11-point system to enhance excitement and prevent prolonged schedules. The adoption of the team relay format now promises increased opportunities for underdog teams to stage comebacks, elevating the overall thrill of the competition.