DE GRAAF WELCOMES BAN ON TRANS PLAYERS COMPETING IN WOMEN’S DARTS
12/08/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
AILEEN DE GRAAF is in favour of a new ruling that bans transgender women from competing in female darts.
In a bold new step, the World Darts Federation confirmed that only players assigned female at birth can play in its women’s and girls’ events which ended its old policy that allowed trans women if their passport listed them as female.
The previous rule let fellow Dutch player Noa-Lynn van Leuven enter the women’s game – a move that saw De Graaf and teammate Anca Zijlstra quit the national side in protest last March.
Former lakeside finalist De Graaf believes the landmark move brings closure to a row that has divided darts and says it is “good” for the sport.
She said: “I understand it’s not easy for the federation to put such a rule in writing.
“Not many sports have managed it yet. But it’s good that it’s happened, because if we all think logically, there is a difference between men’s and women’s sport.
“The gap in averages is often at least 15 points. Hand–eye coordination, concentration and the natural physical build are in men’s favour.
“I get my period once a month, and when I do, my level drops significantly. Trans women can’t experience that.
“There are clear differences. For me, it’s about fairness in girls’ darts. There’s a reason sport has a split between men and women.”
But the 35-year-old admits speaking out comes at a cost.
She added: “If you stand up for women’s rights, you’re quickly labelled ‘transphobic’ and can lose sponsors.
“I’ve had threats, and that’s why I stayed quiet for a while. That’s also why many players don’t speak up now.”
De Graaf insists her dispute with Van Leuven was never personal.
She revealed: “When I used to play for the Dutch national team, Noa represented the Netherlands in the boys’ category.
“When she switched to the women’s, we felt it was unfair. Don’t get me wrong – everyone deserves to live freely and happily.
“Noa did nothing wrong and followed the rules. It’s just unfortunate it’s always about Noa, because she’s the only high-level example.
“We’re fighting for our rights just as much. Fairness always comes first.”
Images by Taylor Lanning.
