Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven gives update on being banned from facing women

Noa-Lynn van Leuven has admitted that she was left questioning her future in darts after the WDF banned transgender players from competing in the women’s category.

The Dutch darts star, known as 'The Duchess', faced uncertainty following the introduction of a new regulation, which excludes transgender players from competing in the women’s class within the World Darts Federation.

This new rule was voted on at during last year’s WDF Europe Cup in Slovakia and means that Van Leuven is excluded from WDF women's competitions, leaving her unsure about what the next step in her career would be.

However, the 29-year-old is still able to compete is in the open category against both men and women, meaning that her career is far from over.

In fact, she has since admitted that despite initially doubting her place in the sport, the regulation change has actually given her extra motivation to further improve and develop her game

Van Leuven has been excluded from WDF women's competitions. (Image: Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

Speaking to Oche, she admitted: "It was back in July when I knew about this new ruling coming up; they voted for it in the Europe Cup in Slovakia.

"I knew it was coming but I didn’t know when or how. I didn’t even know when I was allowed to play anymore in the women’s game.

“I was like, what am I going to do with my career now? Am I just going to stick to the PDC or am I going to try other things?"

"I just didn’t know what to do. When the ruling came out, I was like, at least it was clear now."

And once she knew exactly what the next step was, Van Leuven found a new motivation and drive to prove she can be one of the best women in the sport.

“It does motivate me to become a better player again," she added.

"It is weird to not be able to play the women anymore in the WDF. But I can within the PDC. In the end, I am playing in the Dutch tournaments now in the open ranking and I quite enjoy myself in those."

Noa-Lynn van Leuven has said the regulation changed has motivated her to improve her game. (Image: Tom Jenkins/ Getty Images)

Van Leuven has been subject to heavy criticism and online abuse in recent months after losing 3-0 in the first round of the PDC World Darts Championship to two-time world champion Peter Wright.

But despite taking a temporary break from the sport due to mental health issues, quitting was never even considered by Van Leuven.

"I just enjoy the game of darts too much. I keep coming back to it. I played in the youth and then I took a few years off regarding my transition as well," she said.

"Now I just can’t stay away from the game."

The Dutch star is also active on the international scene, and will represent the Netherlands at the four Nations Cup.

“Proud is honestly an understatement right now,” Van Leuven wrote announcing her qualification on Instagram.

“I’ve officially qualified again for the Dutch team, and this time in the open category. With all the new rules and changes this year, it definitely wasn’t a given… which makes this one feel even more special."