A member of the Dutch parliament has voiced support for adding darts to the Olympic Games, backed by prominent figures in the sport. Jimme Nordkamp, a 29-year-old MP from Eastern Netherlands, who is affiliated with the Labour Party, has advocated for recognizing darts on the global stage. Nordkamp highlighted the growing popularity of darts, especially after the emergence of Luke Littler, emphasizing the need for its inclusion in the Olympics.
Nordkamp stated to De Telegraaf that darts has reached a high level of competition and international viewership, warranting its status as an Olympic sport. Michael van Gerwen, a three-time World Champion from the Netherlands, expressed openness to the idea of darts being part of the Olympics, citing the sport’s professionalism and global appeal.
Luke Humphries, the world’s number two player, also endorsed the idea of darts in the Olympics, though he acknowledged challenges in achieving this goal due to insufficient traction and support. The potential addition of darts to the Olympics could position Great Britain as a strong contender for a gold medal, given the dominance of Littler and Humphries in major darts events.
However, a significant obstacle lies in darts’ organizational structure, as the International Olympic Committee requires sports to be governed by a single global body, a criterion not fully met by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the sport’s primary governing body.
While darts faces hurdles, recent additions to the Olympic Games, such as golf and rugby 7s, demonstrate a willingness to embrace new sports. The upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will introduce American Flag Football and Squash, underscoring the evolving landscape of Olympic sports.
