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After the Darts Regulatory Authority (DRA) adopted a new policy banning biological males from competing in women’s competitions, a transgender competitor has spoken out to criticize the decision.
Noa-Lynn van Leuven of the Netherlands spoke out against the new policy on Thursday.
“Apparently I just retired, not by choice, but because I am no longer allowed to compete,” Van Leuven said in an Instagram video.
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Protesters against transgender athletes participating in women’s sports gather in front of the Supreme Court on January 13, 2026 in Washington, DC (Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
“I worked really hard for years just to get here. I showed up, I competed. I respected the sport every game, every day. And now, with one decision, I’m being told I don’t belong anymore. It’s not just about me. This is another huge success for the trans community.”
Van Leuven suggested taking additional measures to be able to participate in women’s competitions.
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A protester carries a transgender pride flag outside the Supreme Court as he hears arguments on state laws banning transgender girls and women from playing on school sports teams, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Washington. (Julia Démarée Nikhinson/AP)
“It’s not the end. I’m just going back to the drawing board. I’m not done fighting,” the player said.
Van Leuven had competed in the Professional Darts Corporation women’s series, and in 2024 she became the first transgender player to compete in the PDC World Darts Championship women’s competition.
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Protesters wave transgender pride flags outside the Supreme Court as it hears arguments on state laws banning transgender girls and women from playing on school sports teams, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) (Julia Démarée Nikhinson/AP)
The DRA said in a statement Thursday that it had begun a review of its policies in 2025. This included commissioning a report from “an academic developmental biologist who has published several articles on gender and gender in sport. The DRA 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 participate in women’s tournaments regulated by DRA rules,” it said.
