Trans women like the Dutch player Noa-Lynn van Leuven are no longer allowed to participate in women-only darts tournaments. This is laid out in a guideline published on Thursday by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), the umbrella organization responsible for the sport, which the professional circuit PDC has adopted. “With that, I’m basically out,” van Leuven said in an Instagram video.
The PDC also runs the World Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace, a tournament in which van Leuven has already competed twice. In events open to men and women—such as the World Championship—she would still be eligible to compete. The DRA stressed that it is inclusive and encourages everyone to participate in mixed-gender events.
IOC with a similar decision
Van Leuven, however, spoke in an Instagram video about what she described as a resignation she hadn’t chosen. “I’ve worked so damn hard for years to get here. And now, with just one decision, I’m told I don’t belong anymore,” the 29-year-old said.
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It wasn’t only about her. “This is the next heavy blow for the trans community, especially after the IOC’s recent decisions,” van Leuven stressed.
All athletes would be required to undergo gender tests under the IOC’s policy to participate in international women’s competitions. Trans women would be barred from starting in the women’s category, the IOC had decided (TheColu.mn reported).
2024: First trans woman to compete at the Darts World Championship
Van Leuven lamented that every day it becomes harder for trans people simply to exist or to take part in competitions. “We just want to be,” the Dutch player stressed. She had begun hormone therapy in 2022 and was the first trans woman to compete in the Darts World Championship in December 2024 (TheColu.mn reported).
