A member of the Dutch Parliament has voiced support for including darts as a new sport in the Olympic Games, backed by prominent figures in the darts community. Jimme Nordkamp, a 29-year-old MP from Eastern Netherlands, who is affiliated with the Labour Party, is an avid darts player and advocates for the sport’s recognition on the global stage.
Nordkamp highlighted the growing popularity of darts, especially following the rise of player Luke Littler, emphasizing that it deserves more attention and respect. He expressed his belief that darts has evolved into a highly competitive international sport with a massive global audience, warranting its inclusion in the Olympics.
Renowned Dutch player Michael van Gerwen showed openness to the idea of darts becoming an Olympic sport, acknowledging that certain existing Olympic sports may have less professionalism and global reach than darts. However, he noted that the decision ultimately rests with the Olympic Committee, Matchroom Sport, and the PDC.
Luke Humphries, currently ranked as the world’s number two player, also endorsed the prospect of darts in the Olympics, despite expressing skepticism about its immediate realization due to insufficient momentum and promotion surrounding the sport.
The potential inclusion of darts in the Olympics could position Great Britain as a strong contender for gold, given the dominance of players like Littler and Humphries in major darts tournaments. However, a key obstacle lies in the sport’s organizational structure, as the International Olympic Committee requires a single global governing body for sports in the Games, a criterion not fully met by the PDC, the primary governing body of professional darts.
The Olympics has shown openness to incorporating new sports in recent years, such as golf and Rugby 7s, with the upcoming 2028 games in Los Angeles set to introduce American Flag Football and Squash. This trend indicates a potential opportunity for darts to join the prestigious roster of Olympic sports, pending organizational adjustments to align with the IOC’s requirements.