Transgender Darts Star Noa-Lynn van Leuven Announces 'Retirement' After DRA Ban Confirmed
Noa-Lynn van Leuven has been banned from competing in female events such as the PDC Women's Series after the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) changed their policy regarding transgender players. The 29-year-old Dutch star has appeared to announce her retirement from the women's game as a direct result of this decision.
Historic Career Cut Short by Policy Change
Van Leuven, who began competing in women's events in 2022, six years after starting her transition from male to female, made history in 2024 by becoming the first openly transgender woman to compete in the PDC World Championship. She has also won six PDC Women's Series titles, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the sport.
However, the DRA has confirmed that as of April 2026, only biological women will be permitted to enter DRA-regulated women's tournaments. This policy shift has effectively ended Van Leuven's participation in these events.
Emotional Response and Community Impact
In a tearful video posted on Instagram, Van Leuven revealed that she learned of the decision by email and has been 'retired' against her will. "I just got an email, apparently I just got retired," she said. "Not by choice but because I am no longer allowed to compete. The DRA just decided that trans women are no longer allowed in women's events which basically means I'm out."
She expressed deep frustration over the years of hard work she has invested, stating, "I've worked so damn hard for years just to get here. I showed up, I competed, I respected the sport every game, every single day. And now, with just one decision, I am being told I don't belong anymore."
Van Leuven also referenced the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to limit the women's category of Olympic sports to biological females from 2028, highlighting a broader trend. "This isn't just about me, this is another huge hit for the trans community, especially after decisions made by the IOC," she continued. "Every day it's getting harder and harder for trans people to exist, to compete. If you think it stops with me, it doesn't. I just want to be."
In her Instagram caption, she added, "On the inside I'm crying. The fluoxetine just hides it. Not my choice. Not just my story. This isn't the end. I'm just going back to the drawing board. I'm not done fighting."
Policy Background and Eligibility
The DRA began a review into their eligibility policy last year, and their amendment is based on a report by developmental biologist Emma Hilton, legal advice, and recent court rulings. Hilton's report concluded that small physical differences between biological women and men give the latter an advantage in darts, influencing the decision.
Despite the ban, Van Leuven will remain eligible to compete in open PDC events such as the World Championship, where she made her historic appearance.
Previous Controversies and Team Dynamics
This decision follows previous tensions within the sport. In 2024, two Dutch players - Aileen de Graaf and Anca Zijlstra - quit their national women's team because they did not want to be on the same team as Van Leuven. Zijlstra wrote on Facebook at the time, "The moment you're embarrassed to be a part of the Dutch Team, because a biological man is playing in the women's team, it's time to go."
The DRA's new policy marks a significant shift in the governance of women's darts, sparking debates about inclusion, fairness, and the future of transgender athletes in competitive sports.
