"I would love to be part of the era where I could carry the Singapore flag into an Olympic arena" - Paul Lim has ambitious darting dream to cap off magnificent career

Singapore's 2026 World Cup of Darts has come to an abrupt end. While they did win 4-2 against Gibraltar, it seems that their chances of progressing out of the group phase is all but over. Paul Lim was again leading the team with young partner Phuay Wei Tan, with the veteran arguing for darts to be an Olympic sport and that it should be recognised among other top sports.

Lim produced some magic throughout the match. Most notably a 96 checkout in two that saw Singapore break the throw and take a 3-2 lead. Wei Tan was not at his absolute best, especially compared to the match against the Republic of Ireland, but he was the one to find the finishing dart and get a first and only win on the board in Frankfurt.

While they would not progress in this World Cup, Lim was still proud to represent his country on the biggest stage. "All I can say is that every match we play representing our country, it's important that you put your heart and effort into it," he began in the press conference. "Even though we knew our chances of progressing were very low, I still believe you've just got to play your best. That's all."

When asked if they enjoyed it, Wei Tan answered: "Of course I enjoyed it. I really did. Look who's my partner, right?" he said with a smile, directed at Lim. "No, I really enjoyed every moment of it," Lim continued. "I want to be an example. Like I've said before, it's been a long journey for me. That journey might come to an end one day, but while I'm still in it, I'll continue to give it my very best."

At 72-years-old, there is no sign that Lim will quit darts anytime soon. He loves playing the sport and is still a regular on the big stage having competed in the PDC World Darts Championship last year.

"I really don't know. I can't answer that because health is the most important thing," he said. "My desire and commitment are still there, but sooner or later it's going to stop. I just don't know when. Like I said last year, if I ever wake up one morning and think, "Do I really have to go to Frankfurt again to play?", then that's when the trouble starts. Right now, I'm still excited. I'm excited to meet the younger players, and I encourage the younger generation to get involved because I think it's a great sport. You just have to be committed to it."

He felt like he was inspiring a new crop of young darters from Asia. "I want to. I believe I am. The lifespan of a darts player is different from that of a basketball player. Even golfers can still compete at 65 on the senior tour. In darts, it's really about how much you want it. I hope I'm living proof that there is longevity in this game. I hope more players believe in that and keep going."

He offered some words of wisdom to the best players in the sport, including the likes of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries. "To be great, you have to be great among all players," he said. "I think it's about encouragement. If they can encourage the younger generation and pass on some wisdom, that would be important.

"They're natural talents. They're world champions. But I think it's important for them to get involved in promoting the game and helping younger players. I've always believed that if younger generations don't come through in darts, sooner or later the sport will suffer. We need the younger generation."

Wherever he goes, Lim is a popular man. The way he carries himself along with the sheer longevity has made him a cult hero and a rather popular player in the sport with fans regularly chanting his name. It has occurred all around the world with the latest in Germany for this tournament.

"I'm honoured. That's all I can say," he gratefully stated. "I understand the calibre of play today is different. There are great players out there—Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, and many others. But I still feel the younger generation needs encouragement. If they believe they can do it, they should give it a try.

"Yesterday I was talking to Cor Dekker from Norway. He came over and spoke to me, and I told him: if you believe you can do it, give it a try. I did. I wasn't one of the greats, but I gave it a shot. I gave up my career, moved to America and played darts. My thinking was simple: if I succeeded, I'd carry on. If I didn't, I'd go back to cooking and be a chef. If you believe in something, give it a try. One year doesn't matter. You might discover something you're capable of. That's what I encourage the younger generation to do."

Like many darters, the sport is not Wei Tan's full time job. He works in real estate, but the type of job allows him to spend a lot of time playing and competing.

"I'm very fortunate because I'm self-employed in real estate, so I can manage my own time," he commented. "Darts is a hobby for me, but it's also a passion. I try to dedicate a lot of time to it and do my best for the sport."

He is continuing to make strides in the sport, among more young players from Asia making a name for themselves as they look to breakthrough and become the next big talent. "Yes, there are a lot of up-and-coming players. Honestly, they probably just haven't had the opportunity yet. But trust me, they're passionate and they're all trying." Lim added: "All we can do is encourage them."

Lim would reiterate what a honour it was to be on stage playing for Singapore. "Of course. It always feels good. For me, it's not just about winning a match. It's about winning for your country. We want to represent Singapore well. The pride and honour in any sport comes from representing your country."

Lim has high aspirations for the sport, pleading for it to be considered as an Olympic sport. "A lot of people feel that way, but honestly, I believe darts deserves to be recognised alongside other sports," he acknowledged.

"In events like the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games, we've seen activities such as bridge included. I believe darts deserves recognition just as much. I hope that one day darts progresses from the SEA Games to the Asian Games and eventually the Olympics. It really is a sport. People don't realise how difficult it is. I would love to be part of the era where I could carry the Singapore flag into an Olympic arena representing my country. That's probably my last dream.

"Darts is every bit as good as any other sport. People who aren't involved often think it's just a pub game. It's no different from archery, bowling or golf. The skill level, commitment and dedication required are enormous. I hope the Olympic movement recognises that one day."

The chance to represent his country at the Olympics is a tantalising prospect, and he is not the only one. The World Cup of Darts gets the best out of players, showing raw emotion and passion on stage as they compete for their country.

One argument against it is that darters are not real athletes. Lim shut that argument down. "I'd say they should rethink that," he said. "Darts requires hand-eye coordination, determination, focus and concentration. People still have this stereotype that darts players are just drinking beer. That's not the case anymore.

"Like any sport, success comes down to dedication and practice. People don't realise how much time top players spend practising. Try darts for yourself. Ask whether it's really easy. Golf is one shot. Bowling is one shot. In darts, you throw three darts and try to repeat exactly the same action every time. That's incredibly difficult. So I'd encourage people to look at darts again and appreciate just how demanding it really is."