Do we need the doubles?

Ok, maybe it needs to be there to fulfil requirements for a games sport, and sure, the players that win the medals will be delighted.

But when many of the competitors admit to never having played doubles before, and some of the top nations' pairings admit to having had no practice together, is there really a point to the doubles?

If we need something extra, why not have a team event, like badminton - mens singles, womens singles, mens womens and mixed doubles. If nothing else it would generate some national fervour.

Discuss ......