Transgender Darts Player Challenges New Policy Restricting Women's Events to Biological Females
Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a transgender darts player from the Netherlands, has publicly criticized a new policy enacted by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) that limits women's tournaments to biological females only. The rule, which took effect on Thursday, effectively bars van Leuven from competing in women's events despite her historic participation as the first transgender woman at the PDC World Darts Championship in 2024. Van Leuven expressed frustration on social media, stating she feels forced into retirement and views the decision as a significant blow to the trans community. While she remains eligible for open events, she vowed to continue fighting the ruling. The DRA justified the change following a 2025 review involving academic research on sex categories in sports and legal advice, citing the need to ensure fair competition.
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Transgender Darts Player Challenges New Policy Restricting Women's Events to Biological Females
Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a transgender darts player from the Netherlands, has publicly criticized a new policy enacted by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) that limits women's tournaments to biological females only. The rule, which took effect on Thursday, effectively bars van Leuven from competing in women's events despite her historic participation as the first transgender woman at the PDC World Darts Championship in 2024. Van Leuven expressed frustration on social media, stating she feels forced into retirement and views the decision as a significant blow to the trans community. While she remains eligible for open events, she vowed to continue fighting the ruling. The DRA justified the change following a 2025 review involving academic research on sex categories in sports and legal advice, citing the need to ensure fair competition.
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