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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Trans darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven breaks her silence and sends defiant three-word message after being banned from women's tournaments
Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven has broken her silence after being banned from competing in women's tournaments under a new rule by the World Darts Federation. The decision follows an update in the organisation's eligibility rules on trans competitors in events, finalised on Monday after a vote by WDF members. A General Meeting in September last year saw a remit proposed urging the organisation to restrict participation in women's tournaments to people who were born female only. It follows a large global debate about whether or not is is fair for trans women to compete in women's sports. The new rule means trans women - including 28-year-old Dutch Van Leuven - can only compete in the Open Category under the organisation. This category includes players of all genders. Van Leuven wrote on Instagram: 'This past Monday, the WDF (World Darts Federation) released a new policy regarding gender eligibility. 'I want to take a moment to respond. This decision does affect me personally though, thankfully, not too severely at this point in time. But still, it hurts. 'Once again, it's a loss for the trans community in sports. And that breaks my heart. 'As a trans person in the darts world, I know how vital inclusion is not just on paper, but in practice. It's disheartening to see yet another policy framed around 'fairness' that ultimately results in exclusion, without truly considering the people behind the labels. 'My heart goes out to all the athletes impacted by this. We remain visible. We keep going.' A spokesperson for the WDF said: 'Effective Monday 28 July 2025, entry and participation in WDF Women's and Girls Ranking Tournaments and Cups will only be open to players that are WOMEN/FEMALE as defined under this policy. 'Accordingly, WDF Tournaments, Cups and Ranking Tables will be renamed and redefined as 'Open', 'Women', 'Open Youth' and 'Girls' tournaments and cups. 'We understand these changes may be challenging for people who want to compete in darts in the gender which they are now registered as. 'The WDF has directly contacted its Member Countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly.' This change will not impact the star's participation in competitions under the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The Daily Mail has contacted the PDC for comment. Van Leuven is currently ranked 4th in the PDC Women's Order of Merit. In 2024, she broke records as she became the first Dutch woman to qualify for the World Darts Championship. However, the star was eliminated in the first round by Kevin Doets. She also featured in the Women's World Matchplay of Darts in Blackpool this month, making it to the semi-final. Before 2024's Ally Pally tournament, the darts player claimed she received horrendous death threats, leading to a decline in her mental health. World champion Michael van Gerwen sent his support to the fellow darts player, writing: 'It's just heartbreaking. She does what she does and she can play terrific darts. 'Let her play nice. For me, there's never been a discussion, but I don't make the rules. The PDC has people who go over them. 'They can never make the right choice anyway. If they go left, people say they should go right and vice versa. 'Everyone has an opinion about it, but there is no point at all in continuing to argue.' On Monday last week, darts fans claimed they were kicked out of the Winter Gardens at Blackpool after protesting against the inclusion of van Leuven in the Women's World Matchplay tournament. Eight of the top women's players in the world took part in the one-day tournament on Sunday, playing quarter-finals, semi-finals and an eventual final. Beau Greaves was the heavy favourite to win the competition, while Fallon Sherrock also took part, but it was Lisa Ashton who took home the trophy. One incident away from the oche, though, attracted attention, with three women claiming they were escorted out the building for attempting to protest as van Leuven made her entrance.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Trans darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven is banned from competing in women's tournaments after new rule introduced
Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven has been banned from competing in women's tournaments under a new rule by the World Darts Federation. The decision follows an update in the organisation's eligibility rules on trans competitors in events, finalised on Monday after a vote by WDF members. A General Meeting in September last year saw a remit proposed urging the organisation to restrict participation in women's tournaments to people who were born female only. It follows a large global debate about whether or not is is fair for trans women to compete in women's sports. The new rule means trans women - including 28-year-old Dutch Van Leuven - can only compete in the Open Category under the organisation. This category includes players of all genders. A spokesperson for the WDF said: 'Effective Monday 28 July 2025, entry and participation in WDF Women's and Girls Ranking Tournaments and Cups will only be open to players that are WOMEN/FEMALE as defined under this policy. 'Accordingly, WDF Tournaments, Cups and Ranking Tables will be renamed and redefined as 'Open', 'Women', 'Open Youth' and 'Girls' tournaments and cups. 'We understand these changes may be challenging for people who want to compete in darts in the gender which they are now registered as. Van Leuven is introduced to the fans before her quarter final match at the Women's World Matchplay Darts Finals, Blackpool, on July 27 'The WDF has directly contacted its Member Countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly.' This change will not impact the star's participation in competitions under the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). The Daily Mail has contacted the PDC for comment. Van Leuven is currently ranked 4th in the PDC Women's Order of Merit. In 2024, she broke records as she became the first Dutch woman to qualify for the World Darts Championship. However, the star was eliminated in the first round by Kevin Doets. She also featured in the Women's World Matchplay of Darts in Blackpool this month, making it to the semi-final. Before 2024's Ally Pally tournament, the darts player claimed she received horrendous death threats, leading to a decline in her mental health. World champion Michael van Gerwen sent his support to the fellow darts player, writing: 'It's just heartbreaking. She does what she does and she can play terrific darts. 'Let her play nice. For me, there's never been a discussion, but I don't make the rules. The PDC has people who go over them. 'They can never make the right choice anyway. If they go left, people say they should go right and vice versa. 'Everyone has an opinion about it, but there is no point at all in continuing to argue.' On Monday, darts fans claimed they were kicked out of the Winter Gardens at Blackpool after protesting against the inclusion of van Leuven in the Women's World Matchplay tournament. Eight of the top women's players in the world took part in the one-day tournament on Sunday, playing quarter-finals, semi-finals and an eventual final. Beau Greaves was the heavy favourite to win the competition, while Fallon Sherrock also took part, but it was Lisa Ashton who took home the trophy. One incident away from the oche, though, attracted attention, with three women claiming they were escorted out the building for attempting to protest as van Leuven made her entrance. The Daily Mail has contacted Van Leuven for comment.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven banned from tournaments after new rule introduced
DARTS star Noa-Lynn van Leuven will no longer be able to compete in women's tournaments under the World Darts Federation. It follows an update in the organisation's eligibility rules on transgender participation in events. 3 Noa-Lynn van Leuven has been banned from competing in WDF women's competitions Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 But the Dutch star will not be affected for PDC tournaments Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The decision was finalised on Monday after a vote by WDF members. In September 2024 a WDF General Meeting saw a remit put forward calling for the organisation to restrict participation in women's tournaments to only players who are female by birth. It means transgender women, such as 28-year-old Van Leuven, can only compete in the Open Category - which includes male players - under the organisation. A WDF statement on the change said: "Effective Monday 28 July 2025, entry and participation in WDF Women's and Girls Ranking Tournaments and Cups will only be open to players that are WOMEN/FEMALE as defined under this policy. READ MORE IN DARTS "Accordingly, WDF Tournaments, Cups and Ranking Tables will be renamed and redefined as 'Open', 'Women', 'Open Youth' and 'Girls' tournaments and cups. "We understand these changes may be challenging for people who want to compete in darts in the gender which they are now registered as. "The WDF has directly contacted its Member Countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly." This change will not affect the Dutch stars - or other transgender darts players - participation in competitions under the Professional Darts Corporation. Most read in Darts The PDC, who refused to comment on this matter when approached by SunSport, operate under the rules of the Darts Regulation Authority. Last year, Van Leuven broke new ground as she became the first Dutch woman to qualify for the World Darts Championship, but was eliminated in the first round by compatriot Kevin Doets. Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven thanks the support of Luke Humphries and Michael Van Gerwen She also featured in the Women's World Matchplay of Darts in Blackpool last week, reaching the semi-final before losing to eventual winner Lisa Ashton. Van Leuven is currently ranked 4th in the PDC Women's Order of Merit, with the top three stars eligible to qualify for the WDC and top rank qualifying for the Grand Slam of Darts. Ahead of last year's Ally Pally tournament, Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen came He said: "It's just heartbreaking. She does what she does and she can play terrific darts. "Let her play nice. For me, there's never been a discussion, but I don't make the rules. The PDC has people who go over them. "They can never make the right choice anyway. If they go left, people say they should go right and vice versa. "Everyone has an opinion about it, but there is no point at all in continuing to argue." Van Leuven previously revealed how she had started considering her transition at the age of 16 after becoming "more and more unhappy with myself, to a point that I didn't want to live any more". 3 Michael van Gerwen called treatment of her 'heartbreaking' last year Credit: Getty
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven banned from tournaments after new rule introduced
A darts world champion said the treatment she had received was 'heartbreaking' DARTS star Noa-Lynn van Leuven will no longer be able to compete in women's tournaments under the World Darts Federation. It follows an update in the organisation's eligibility rules on transgender participation in events. 3 Noa-Lynn van Leuven has been banned from competing in WDF women's competitions Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 3 But the Dutch star will not be affected for PDC tournaments Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The decision was finalised on Monday after a vote by WDF members. In September 2024 a WDF General Meeting saw a remit put forward calling for the organisation to restrict participation in women's tournaments to only players who are female by birth. It means transgender women, such as 28-year-old Van Leuven, can only compete in the Open Category - which includes male players - under the organisation. A WDF statement on the change said: "Effective Monday 28 July 2025, entry and participation in WDF Women's and Girls Ranking Tournaments and Cups will only be open to players that are WOMEN/FEMALE as defined under this policy. "Accordingly, WDF Tournaments, Cups and Ranking Tables will be renamed and redefined as 'Open', 'Women', 'Open Youth' and 'Girls' tournaments and cups. "We understand these changes may be challenging for people who want to compete in darts in the gender which they are now registered as. "The WDF has directly contacted its Member Countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly." This change will not affect the Dutch stars - or other transgender darts players - participation in competitions under the Professional Darts Corporation. The PDC, who refused to comment on this matter when approached by SunSport, operate under the rules of the Darts Regulation Authority. Last year, Van Leuven broke new ground as she became the first Dutch woman to qualify for the World Darts Championship, but was eliminated in the first round by compatriot Kevin Doets. Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven thanks the support of Luke Humphries and Michael Van Gerwen She also featured in the Women's World Matchplay of Darts in Blackpool last week, reaching the semi-final before losing to eventual winner Lisa Ashton. Van Leuven is currently ranked 4th in the PDC Women's Order of Merit, with the top three stars eligible to qualify for the WDC and top rank qualifying for the Grand Slam of Darts. Ahead of last year's Ally Pally tournament, Van Leuven revealed she received sickening death threats every day, leading to her struggling with her mental health as she was forced to deal with "old traumas". Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen came out in support of his darts rival before they faced off in the Grand Slam of Darts last year. He said: "It's just heartbreaking. She does what she does and she can play terrific darts. "Let her play nice. For me, there's never been a discussion, but I don't make the rules. The PDC has people who go over them. "They can never make the right choice anyway. If they go left, people say they should go right and vice versa. "Everyone has an opinion about it, but there is no point at all in continuing to argue." Van Leuven previously revealed how she had started considering her transition at the age of 16 after becoming "more and more unhappy with myself, to a point that I didn't want to live any more".
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven banned from tournaments after new rule introduced
DARTS star Noa-Lynn van Leuven will no longer be able to compete in women's tournaments under the World Darts Federation. It follows an update in the organisation's eligibility rules on transgender participation in events. 3 The decision was finalised on Monday after a vote by WDF members. In September 2024 a WDF General Meeting saw a remit put forward calling for the organisation to restrict participation in women's tournaments to only players who are female by birth. It means transgender women, such as 28-year-old Van Leuven, can only compete in the Open Category - which includes male players - under the organisation. A WDF statement on the change said: "Effective Monday 28 July 2025, entry and participation in WDF Women's and Girls Ranking Tournaments and Cups will only be open to players that are WOMEN/FEMALE as defined under this policy. "Accordingly, WDF Tournaments, Cups and Ranking Tables will be renamed and redefined as 'Open', 'Women', 'Open Youth' and 'Girls' tournaments and cups. "We understand these changes may be challenging for people who want to compete in darts in the gender which they are now registered as. "The WDF has directly contacted its Member Countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly." This change will not affect the Dutch stars - or other transgender darts players - participation in competitions under the Professional Darts Corporation. The PDC, who refused to comment on this matter when approached by SunSport, operate under the rules of the Darts Regulation Authority. Last year, Van Leuven broke new ground as she became the first Dutch woman to qualify for the World Darts Championship, but was eliminated in the first round by compatriot Kevin Doets. She also featured in the Women's World Matchplay of Darts in Blackpool last week, reaching the semi-final before losing to eventual winner Lisa Ashton. Van Leuven is currently ranked 4th in the PDC Women's Order of Merit, with the top three stars eligible to qualify for the WDC and top rank qualifying for the Grand Slam of Darts. Ahead of last year's Ally Pally tournament, Van Leuven revealed she received sickening death threats every day, leading to her struggling with her mental health as she was forced to deal with "old traumas". Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen came out in support of his darts rival before they faced off in the Grand Slam of Darts last year. He said: "It's just heartbreaking. She does what she does and she can play terrific darts. "Let her play nice. For me, there's never been a discussion, but I don't make the rules. The PDC has people who go over them. "They can never make the right choice anyway. If they go left, people say they should go right and vice versa. "Everyone has an opinion about it, but there is no point at all in continuing to argue." Van Leuven previously revealed how she had started considering her transition at the age of 16 after becoming "more and more unhappy with myself, to a point that I didn't want to live any more". 3
