Darts Regulatory Authority’s New Policy Sparks Outrage Among Transgender Athletes

Following the recent decision by the Darts Regulatory Authority (DRA) to prohibit biological males from participating in women’s competitions, several transgender athletes have voiced their strong discontent.

Noa-Lynn van Leuven from the Netherlands expressed her frustration in an Instagram video on Thursday, emphasizing her feeling of being sidelined. “It seems I only retired because I’m no longer allowed to compete,” she stated.

“I’ve dedicated years of hard work to reach this point. I participated, competed, and respected this sport every single day, and now, just like that, I’m told there’s no spot for me anymore. This isn’t just about my situation. This is a significant setback for the entire trans community,” Van Leuven said, adding that she plans to explore options to still be part of women’s tournaments.

“This isn’t the end. We’re just returning to square one. The struggle continues,” she advised, highlighting her eagerness to keep fighting for inclusion.

Van Leuven, who competes in the Professional Darts Corporation Women’s Series, is set to become the first transgender player to join the women’s competition at the PDC World Darts Championship in 2024.

In a statement Thursday, the DRA revealed that it initiated a review process in 2025, which involved commissioning a report from a specialist in developmental biology focused on sex and competition in sports, alongside soliciting extensive legal advice.

“After careful consideration, we believe that to ensure fair competition, only biological females should be allowed to enter women’s tournaments governed by DRA rules,” the committee concluded.