Transgender Darts Player Noa-Lynn Van Leuven Vows to Continue Fighting After Ban from Women's Events

Noa-Lynn Van Leuven has expressed her determination to keep fighting after being barred from competing in women's darts tournaments. The 29-year-old, who has won six titles on the women's tour, made history by becoming the first transgender woman to participate in the World Darts Championship in 2024. Despite being allowed to continue competing in open tournaments, Van Leuven has voiced her disappointment at the decision, stating that it is not just about her, but also a significant setback for the trans community. The Darts Regulation Authority's ruling, which was made after a review of its policies and consideration of extensive legal advice, has sparked controversy, with some players and fans expressing support for Van Leuven, while others have opposed her participation in women's events. Van Leuven has faced opposition from some of her fellow players, including Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf, who withdrew from the national team rather than compete against her. However, she has also received support from notable figures in the darts world, including Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries, who have spoken out in her favor. Van Leuven has vowed to continue fighting for her right to compete, saying that she is 'not done fighting' and will 'go back to the drawing board' to find a way to overcome the ban.