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After the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) passed a new policy banning transgender men from competing in women’s tournaments, a transgender competitor has spoken out and blasted the decision.
Nea-Lynn van Leuven from the Netherlands spoke out against the new policy on Thursday.
“Obviously I just retired, not by choice, but because I am no longer allowed to compete,” said Van Leuven in an Instagram video.
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Protesters against transgender athletes competing in women’s sports gathered outside the Supreme Court on Jan. 13, 2026 in Washington, DC (Heather Diehl/Getty Images)
“I worked hard for years to get here. I showed up, I competed. I respected the sport every game, every day. And now, with just one decision, I’m being told that I don’t belong anymore. This is not just about me. This is something that affects the trans community.”
Van Leuven suggested that more steps be taken to enable her to participate in women’s competitions.
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A protester holds a transgender pride flag outside the Supreme Court as he listens to arguments over state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school sports teams, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)
“This is not the end. I’m going back to the drawing board. I’m not done fighting yet,” said the player.
Van Leuven competed in the Professional Darts Corporation women’s series and, in 2024, became the first transgender player to play in the women’s PDC World Darts Championship.
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Protesters wave pride flags outside the Supreme Court as it hears arguments on state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP)
The DRA said in a statement on Thursday that it has begun reviewing its 2025 goals. It also included the release of a report by “an academic development scientist who has published numerous papers on the sex and sports divisions. The DRA has considered a number of legal recommendations.”
“As a result of its review, the DRA is satisfied that in order to achieve fair competition in archery, only natural women should be eligible to compete in women’s competitions governed by the DRA Rules,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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