NDB responds to controversy in women's darts: ''We follow the rules and she meets all the requirements''

The Dutch Darts Association (NDB) has responded to the commotion caused after Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf decided not to make themselves available for the Dutch team through a statement.

Zijlstra and De Graaf refuse to continue competing for the Netherlands because transwoman Noa-Lynn van Leuven has also been called up for the women's team. Zijlstra made her decision public via Facebook on Saturday.

"The moment when you feel ashamed to play for the Dutch team because a biological man plays on the women's team, it's time to go. I have tried to accept this, but I cannot condone it. I believe that sports should be an equal and fair playing field, handled and accepted as such in good conscience. After all, we have worked so hard to be relevant and competitive in this sport,'' Zijlstra wrote in a statement.

She was joined by compatriot De Graaf. ''At some point you have to make choices when something goes against your feelings. You have to do what feels right for you. Hence my decision to leave the Dutch team."

The NDB regrets the decision of the two ladies. ''The NDB understands that people can have different opinions about this, but we follow the rules and guidelines that have been drawn up. In addition, we stand for a sport of darts where everyone feels at home and everyone can participate. We believe it is important that 100 percent of people feel welcome at the NDB in a socially safe, healthy and inclusive sporting environment. In this, it does not matter what your origin, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion is."

Further reference is made to the Gender and Sex-Diverse Persons guideline. This was issued from the NOC*NSF in June 2021. ''In addition, the guideline is in line with the World Darts Federation's (WDF) Transgender Athlete Policy. We are aware that Noa-Lynn van Leuven has gone through a transition from male to female and her gender identity is female. In addition, she meets all other requirements set and thus she is eligible to play in the women's category,'' the federation announced.