A Member of Parliament from the Netherlands has voiced his support for including darts in the Olympic Games, a move that has garnered enthusiasm from prominent figures in the sport. Jimme Nordkamp, representing the municipality of Losser in Eastern Netherlands and a member of the Labour Party, is an avid player who believes that darts deserves recognition on the global stage.
Nordkamp highlighted the growing popularity of darts, especially since the emergence of players like Luke Littler, emphasizing that the sport has evolved into a highly competitive international event with a massive following worldwide. He asserted that it is time for darts to be recognized as an Olympic sport, stating, “Darts should become an Olympic sport as it has reached top-level competition status.”
Renowned Dutch darts player Michael van Gerwen expressed openness to the idea of including darts in the Olympics, acknowledging that the sport’s professionalism and global appeal make it a viable candidate. However, he noted that the decision ultimately lies with the Olympic Committee, Matchroom Sport, and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC).
Luke Humphries, ranked second in the world, also endorsed the prospect of darts in the Olympics, expressing his desire to see the sport featured in the games. Despite his optimism, Humphries acknowledged the challenges ahead in terms of gaining sufficient traction and support for Olympic inclusion in the near future.
If darts were to be introduced into the Olympics, Great Britain would be considered a strong contender for winning a gold medal, given the dominance of players like Littler and Humphries in major darts events. However, a potential obstacle to darts’ Olympic inclusion is its organizational structure, as the International Olympic Committee requires sports to be governed by a single global body, a criterion that the PDC currently does not meet.
In recent years, the Olympics has been receptive to adding new sports to its lineup, such as golf and rugby 7s. The upcoming 2028 games in Los Angeles will introduce American Flag Football and Squash as new sports, showcasing the evolving landscape of Olympic competition.