Veteran Women Darts Players Resign from Dutch National Team over Transgender Teammate
The Dutch darts authorities have confirmed the resignation of two veteran women players, Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf, from the Netherlands’ national team. The players stated that they no longer wished to represent the country alongside Noa-Lynn van Leuven, a transgender woman who currently ranks sixth in the world.
The Dutch Darts Association (NDB) expressed regret over the decision, defending Van Leuven’s eligibility to compete in the women’s category as she has completed her transition and her gender identity is female. The NDB emphasized its commitment to a sport that is inclusive of individuals from diverse backgrounds, regardless of their origin, political preference, gender, sexual orientation, race, or religion.
“Zijlstra, ranked 12th by the World Darts Federation, expressed that she was ashamed to play for the Dutch team with a ‘biological man’ on the women’s team, and believed in the need for an equal and fair playing field. Similarly, world number two De Graaf voiced similar sentiments.”
Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who recently won her first major event during the Challenge Tour in Germany and the PDC Women’s Series in Wigan, acknowledged that the controversy has been emotionally taxing, emphasizing that she is a human being and that the sad aspect of the issue is that many have forgotten this.
The NDB thanked Zijlstra and De Graaf for their years of dedication to the Dutch team, but reiterated its stance of fostering a sport where everyone feels welcome and can participate.
Darts enjoys immense popularity in the Netherlands, with renowned players like Raymond van Barneveld and Michael van Gerwen being revered as legends of the game.
🔗 Source
