A Dutch transgender darts competitor says she will continue her battle after new regulations implemented by the sport’s governing body restrict women’s competitions to biological females only.
Noa-Lynn van Leuven from the Netherlands expressed her opposition Thursday as the Darts Regulation Authority’s updated policy went into effect.
“Apparently, I just got retired — not by choice, but because I’m no longer allowed to compete,” Van Leuven stated in an Instagram video posted to her account.
The 29-year-old athlete had been participating in the Professional Darts Corporation’s Women’s Series. Last year, she made history by becoming the first transgender woman to participate in the PDC World Darts Championship.
“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 said. “And now, with just one decision, I’m being told I don’t belong anymore. This isn’t just about me. This is another huge hit for the trans community.”
Van Leuven remains qualified to participate in open PDC competitions.
While her potential legal recourse remains uncertain, she wrote alongside her video message: “This isn’t the end. I’m just going back to the drawing board. I’m not done fighting.”
The DRA released a statement Thursday explaining it initiated a policy evaluation in 2025, which involved obtaining a report from “an academic developmental biologist who has published several papers on sex and categories in sport. The DRA has also considered extensive legal advice.”
“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 stated.
