Badminton Worlds have lost appeal, prestige, says ex-national shuttler
The former national shuttler has urged the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to revert the tournament to a biennial format, saying its prestige has been diluted by being staged every year except during Olympic seasons.
The World Championships were introduced in 1977 and held every three years initially, before becoming a biennial affair from 1983. But since 2005, the BWF calendar has featured the tournament annually, except in Olympic years.
James, a long-time advocate for player welfare and tournament quality, said the event has lost its marquee status.
"The World Championships have lost the glitter, and the BWF should consider making it a biennial event again," said James.
"There's no excitement anymore. Everyone treats it like just another tournament on the calendar. It should carry the same glamour and prestige as the Olympics."
With only two editions in a four-year Olympic cycle, James believes the event would regain its focus and reduce the physical and mental burden on top shuttlers.
Players go through tough qualification processes nearly every year, either for the World Championships or the Olympics.
"Reducing the frequency will help ease the stress on players constantly pushing for qualification," he added.
"It also reduces injury risk. Right now, players are forced to take part in too many tournaments just to secure a spot, and that's hurting the sport."
James pointed out that the spike in injuries to top stars is likely to impact the quality of this year's World Championships in Paris, from Aug 25-31.
Malaysia will be banking on their men's doubles pairs to bring home a title this time.
World No. 1 Goh Sze Fei-Nur Izzuddin Rumsani, 2022 champions and world No. 2 Aaron Chia-Soh Wooi Yik, and world No. 7 Man Wei Chong-Tee Kai Wun will lead the Malaysian charge in the French capital.
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