‘I just got retired’: Man rants about being told he cannot compete in women’s darts events
A man who for a long time has competed in women’s darts events has posted a rant online complaining about a new rule from the Darts Regulation Authority that only women now are allowed in those events.
“I just got an email,” he states. “Apparently, I just got retired. Not by choice.”
Noa-Lynn Van Leuven said he basically is “out” because of the decision that “transwomen are no longer allowed in women’s sports.”
A tearful Noa-Lynn Van Leuven has announced her “retirement” after revealing a DRA ruling banning transgender players from women’s darts events.
“I just got an email, apparently I just got retired. Not by choice but because I am longer allowed to compete, the DRA decided that… pic.twitter.com/rGwzjuYge4
— Tungsten Tales Darts (@Tungsten_Tales) April 9, 2026
Commenters explained pointedly that he was eligible to compete in men’s events if he chose.
Noa Van Leuven is not a victim – he’s been cheating women darts players out of places and prizes.
He is a man and shouldn’t have been in women’s competitions.
Bye bye fella. Was great to stand against you and call you a cheat. Don’t come back.
CC @LightninLex pic.twitter.com/UAB4SLVQHH
— Jean Hatchet (@JeanHatchet) April 9, 2026
A Fox News report said the DRA adopted a policy that bars biological males from competing in women’s events, and Noa-Lynn van Leuven, of the Netherlands, complained.
He said, “I’ve worked so damn hard for years just to get here. I showed up, I competed. I respected the sport every game, every single day. And now, with just one decision, I’m being told I don’t belong anymore. This isn’t just about me. This is another huge hit for the trans community.”
In fact, multiple sports authorities not just in the United States but from around the world have determined in recent weeks and months that sports competitions should, in fact, be based on biology, not ideology.
And van Leuven suggested a further fight, with “This isn’t the end. I’m just going back to the drawing board. I’m not done fighting.”
He had been in the Women’s Series of the Professional Darts Corporation, and, in 2024, he became the first transgender player to play at the PDC World Darts Championship women’s competition.