“Almost every day he gives you a reason to think, 'I hate you'” – Frank Evenblij on his admiration and love for Raymond van Barneveld

Frank Evenblij has a mission. What started as a joke has become a serious ambition: bringing darts to the Olympic Games. “It’s the ultimate dream,” he says. “It’s become a mission for me: making darts an Olympic sport. And on some level, of course, it’s a big joke. But on the other hand, why wouldn't you do it?"

Evenblij has been an outspoken fan of the sport for years. Not just as a viewer, but also as an advocate. darts is one of my favourite sports to watch. It’s one of the best spectator sports there is, aside from all the other sports I enjoy. So why wouldn’t you make it Olympic?"

His plea is driven not only by love for the game, but also by a practical thought. "The joke used to be — especially at Lakeside — that those guys would sweat liters just throwing a few darts. It was always incredibly hot there." With a wink, he adds: “When I was younger, I thought: that’s why it should go to the Winter Olympics. Then you could play it in the snow and wouldn’t have to worry about sweating."

The joke is obvious, but his reasoning does have some merit. The Winter Games are known for their openness to new disciplines. “The Olympic Games, especially the Winter Games, are always looking for new sports. New disciplines are added regularly. You see it with snowboard and all the different variations — often judged events. And in some ways, darts resembles archery. So why not?”

According to Evenblij, it’s also a major global sport. “It’s a huge global sport. It’s also a sport that’s most popular in the winter — it fits perfectly with Christmas. My entire holiday period revolves around watching the PDC World Championship."

That Evenblij has given his heart to darts is also evident from his unconditional support for Raymond van Barneveld. The Hague native makes no secret of his admiration for ‘Barney’, although that love comes with its share of suffering.

“I grew up in The Hague, and I’m a die-hard Raymond van Barneveld fan,” he says. “And I can tell you — and you know this too — it’s very hard to be a Raymond van Barneveld fan. Because almost every day he gives you a reason to think, 'I hate you.' It’s tough. It’s real suffering. Being a Raymond van Barneveld fan is a combat sport.”

The fact that Rafael van der Vaart has recently taken Van Barneveld under his wing catches Evenblij’s interest. Although he admits he didn’t immediately see the pairing, he can appreciate it.

“I actually can’t picture it at all, but I think it’s great that Van der Vaart is looking out for him. He talks about bringing in sponsors — 'I’ve got some rich friends in Beverwijk' — I love that."

At the same time, Evenblij understands that Van Barneveld could benefit from clear guidance. “Van Barneveld is basically like a little boy. You sometimes have to take him by the hand and say: you need to get up at two o’clock, here’s your breakfast, this is when your flight leaves, and today you’re only using these darts.”

He laughs at his own words, but he means them. “It sounds childish — the man is almost sixty — but if that’s what he needs, then I think that’s very cool.”

Evenblij even offers himself as a mental pillar of support. “And by the way, Rafael van der Vaart: if you ever need me to mentally support Raymond van Barneveld from time to time, I’m your guy.”

What began as a light-hearted remark about sweaty darters in a warm Lakeside hall has grown into a serious plea. Evenblij knows the idea of Olympic darts makes some people smile, but he points to the sport’s growth, international reach, and appeal. “It’s such a major global sport. I would really love it if it ever achieved that status.”