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

Darts player Noa-Lynn Van Leuven has expressed her determination to keep fighting after being banned from competing in women's tournaments by the sport's governing body. The 29-year-old, who has won six titles on the women's tour, made history by becoming the first transgender woman to play at the World Darts Championship in 2024. Van Leuven's ban was announced by the Darts Regulation Authority, which stated that only biological females will be eligible to compete in women's events. The decision has been met with dismay from Van Leuven, who believes it is a significant setback for the trans community. Despite the ban, Van Leuven has vowed to continue playing darts and has received support from fellow players, including Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries. Van Leuven has been a trailblazer in the sport, becoming the first trans woman to play in a TV tournament at the Women's Matchplay in 2023. She has also won a Challenger Tour event and secured her spot at the 2025 Worlds with a record-breaking average. The ban on transgender women competing in women's events has sparked a wider debate about inclusion and fairness in sport. The International Olympic Committee has also announced a blanket ban on transgender women and athletes with differences in sex development from competing in women's events at the Olympics from 2028. Van Leuven has spoken out about the impact of the ban on her and the trans community, saying it is 'getting harder and harder for trans people just to exist, to compete'. She has received support from fans and fellow players, who believe she should be allowed to compete in the sport she loves.