A Member of Parliament from the Netherlands has voiced support for including darts in the Olympic Games, backed by prominent figures in the sport. Jimme Nordkamp, a 29-year-old MP representing Losser in Eastern Netherlands for the Labour Party, is an avid darts player advocating for the sport’s recognition on the global stage. Nordkamp emphasized that darts has gained significant popularity, especially after the emergence of Luke Littler, and deserves acknowledgment as a top-level international sport.
In an interview with De Telegraaf, Nordkamp expressed his belief that darts has evolved into a competitive sport with a massive global following, asserting that it is time for darts to be recognized as an Olympic discipline. Michael van Gerwen, a three-time World Champion from the Netherlands, also showed openness to the idea of darts being featured in the Olympics, highlighting the sport’s professionalism and worldwide appeal.
Luke Humphries, the world’s second-ranked player, echoed the sentiment, expressing his desire to see darts included in the Olympics, even if he is not personally involved. However, he noted that substantial efforts and support would be needed for this to become a reality in the near future.
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 competitions. Nonetheless, a key challenge lies in the organizational structure of darts, as the International Olympic Committee requires sports to be governed by a single global body, which the current Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) does not fully meet.
While introducing new sports to the Olympics has been a trend in recent years, with additions like golf and Rugby 7s, the pathway for darts to join the games may require alignment with Olympic Committee standards. The upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will introduce American Flag Football and Squash as new sports, showcasing the evolving diversity of Olympic competitions.
