Dutch star Noa‑Lynn Van Leuven, who broke ground as the first transgender woman at the 2024 World Darts Championship, announced she is "not done fighting" after the Darts Regulation Authority barred trans women from women’s events. The 29‑year‑old, nicknamed "The Duchess," has claimed six tour titles since 2022 and posted a record‑breaking 109.64 average to clinch Women’s Series 21.

The DRA said a 2025 policy review, backed by an academic biologist’s report and extensive legal counsel, concluded that only biological females should compete in women’s tournaments. Van Leuven’s exclusion follows similar moves by the World Darts Federation and the IOC, which recently announced a blanket ban on trans women for Olympic sport from 2028. Fellow players reacted variably, with three‑time world champion Beau Greaves offering support while Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf withdrew from the Dutch squad.

Veteran Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries publicly defended Van Leuven, calling the ban unfair and urging the sport to focus on darts, not politics. Despite the controversy, Van Leuven remains determined to play, stating she simply wants to enjoy the game. Her resolve underscores the ongoing debate over inclusion in darts and the broader sporting world.