Dart players Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf have pulled out of the Dutch women’s darts team, saying they no longer want to be a part of it with trans woman Noa-Lynn van Leuven.

Van Leuven made history last week by winning her first big event during the Challenge Tour in Germany, and this weekend winning her first title in the PDV Women’s Series in Wigan, England.

“When the time comes that you are embarrassed to turn out for the Netherlands because a biological man is playing in the women’s team, then you know it is time to go,” Zijlstra said on social media at the weekend. 

“Sport needs a fair and level playing field… after all, we have worked so hard to make this branch of the sport relevant and competitive.” 

De Graaf, who is number 2 in the WDF women’s ranking, reacted to Zijlstra’s comment by saying that choices need to be made if you don’t feel comfortable. “You have to do what feels right for you,” she said. “And that is why I have decided to leave the Dutch team.”

Van Leuven told broadcaster NOS that she did not want to go into the issue any further. “This is their choice, not mine,” she said. “The really sad thing about the issue is that lots of people seem to have forgotten I am also a person.” 

Women have their own darts circuit and do play against men in a couple of tournaments. 

VICTORY FOR VAN LEUVEN! 🇳🇱

Noa-Lynn van Leuven clinches her maiden PDC Women’s Series title in Wigan! 🏆

Van Leuven overcomes some late double trouble to defeat Irish youngster Katie Sheldon in the Event Two final! pic.twitter.com/fEnlFzMQk3

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) March 23, 2024

The Dutch team is due to take part in the 4 Nations Tournament in Belgium in two weeks and Paul Engelbertink, director of the Dutch darts board, is expected to comment on the row later on Monday. 

The DNB did issue a statement last Thursday following Van Leuven’s win saying it is important that 100% of people feel welcome in a “socially safe, healthy and inclusive sporting environment” and that “origin, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, race and religion” are irrelevant.