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Transgender Darts Player Vows to Fight After New Ban Takes Effect
Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven declared she’s “not done fighting” after being effectively sidelined by new regulations that bar transgender women from competing in women’s tournaments.
The 29-year-old Dutch competitor spoke out Thursday as the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) implemented its policy prohibiting transgender women from participating in female competitions.
“Apparently, I just got retired — not by choice, but because I’m no longer allowed to compete,” van Leuven said in an emotional video posted to her Instagram account. “I’ve worked so damn hard for years just to get here. I showed up, I competed. I respected the sport every game, every single day.”
Van Leuven had been competing in the Women’s Series of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and made history earlier this year when she became the first transgender woman to participate in the prestigious PDC World Darts Championship. Her achievements represented significant milestones in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sport.
The DRA’s decision comes after what the organization described as a comprehensive review of its policies that began in 2025. The authority stated that it commissioned a report from “an academic developmental biologist who has published several papers on sex and categories in sport” and sought “extensive legal advice” before reaching its conclusion.
“As a result of its review, the DRA is satisfied that to achieve fair competition in darts, only biological females should be eligible to compete in women’s tournaments regulated by DRA Rules,” the organization said in its statement released Thursday.
While the new regulations prevent van Leuven from participating in women’s tournaments, she will remain eligible for open PDC events, which typically feature predominantly male competitors. However, the women’s competitions had provided specific opportunities for female players to showcase their talents in a more equitable competitive environment.
The decision adds darts to a growing list of sports implementing restrictions on transgender participation at the elite level. Swimming, cycling, athletics, and rugby have all introduced similar policies in recent years, sparking intense debate about inclusion, competitive fairness, and the science of physical advantages.
For van Leuven, the ruling represents more than just a personal setback. “This isn’t just about me. This is another huge hit for the trans community,” she said, highlighting the broader implications of such policies on transgender athletes across sports.
In a written message accompanying her video, van Leuven signaled her intention to challenge the decision: “This isn’t the end. I’m just going back to the drawing board. I’m not done fighting.” However, it remains unclear what legal options might be available to her under current sporting regulations.
The darts community has shown mixed reactions to the DRA’s decision. Some competitors and fans have expressed support for maintaining separate categories based on biological sex, while others argue that darts—a sport based primarily on skill, precision, and mental fortitude rather than physical strength—should be more inclusive.
The PDC, which runs the major tournaments in professional darts including the World Championship, has not issued a separate statement regarding the new regulations but will operate under the DRA’s governance framework.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges sports governing bodies face as they attempt to balance inclusivity with competitive considerations, particularly in sports where the physical differences between competitors may have varying degrees of impact on performance outcomes.
As the situation develops, van Leuven’s case may become an important reference point in the wider conversation about transgender participation in sports, especially in disciplines where physical attributes might play a less significant role in determining competitive advantage.
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9 Comments
This is a complex issue that highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing fairness and inclusion in competitive sports. I’m curious to learn more about the rationale and decision-making process behind the policy change, and whether there are alternative approaches that could address the concerns.
While I respect the governing body’s decision, it’s disappointing to see this athlete’s efforts and achievements potentially undermined. I hope there can be constructive dialogue to better understand the impacts and explore alternatives that preserve the sport’s integrity while being as inclusive as possible.
This is a complex and sensitive issue. While I respect the governing body’s policy decision, I hope they engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected athletes to find a fair, inclusive solution that supports all participants.
I agree, it’s important to balance fairness and inclusion. Hopefully all sides can work together constructively to address the concerns and find a path forward that upholds the sport’s integrity.
While I respect the governing body’s decision, it’s disappointing to see this athlete effectively sidelined after making such remarkable achievements. I hope all parties can find a constructive way to address the underlying issues.
It’s admirable that this athlete has worked so hard to compete at the highest level. I’m curious to learn more about the rationale behind the policy change and how it aims to ensure a level playing field.
This is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. I hope the governing body engages the affected athletes to better understand the impacts and explore alternatives that preserve the sport’s integrity.
It’s heartbreaking to see this athlete’s hard work and accomplishments potentially undermined by this policy change. I hope the governing body will engage in open, thoughtful dialogue to better understand the impacts and explore solutions that uphold the sport’s integrity while being as inclusive as possible.
This is a challenging situation with no easy answers. I’m curious to learn more about the scientific and fairness considerations behind the policy change, and whether there are alternative approaches that could allow for more inclusive participation.