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, representing the municipality of Losser, Eastern Netherlands, and a member of the Labour Party, has advocated for recognizing darts as a legitimate Olympic sport. Nordkamp highlighted the growing popularity of darts in recent years, particularly following the rise of player Luke Littler, stressing the need for its inclusion on a global sporting stage.

Expressing his stance, Nordkamp stated, “Darts should become an Olympic sport as it has evolved into a top-level competition with a massive international following. It’s time to acknowledge darts as a significant sport with millions of viewers worldwide.” Notably, three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen, also from the Netherlands, welcomed the idea of darts being part of the Olympics, emphasizing the sport’s professionalism and global reach.

Luke Humphries, ranked second globally, echoed support for darts in the Olympics, expressing a desire to see it happen despite acknowledging potential challenges. Great Britain, with leading players like Littler and Humphries, could emerge as strong contenders for Olympic gold if darts were to be included in the Games.

However, a key obstacle to darts’ Olympic inclusion is its organizational structure. The International Olympic Committee stipulates that sports must be governed by a single global body, a criterion not fully met by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the primary governing body of professional darts. While there are hurdles to overcome, recent Olympic additions like golf and Rugby 7s indicate a willingness to embrace new sports. The upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Games will introduce American Flag Football and Squash, showcasing the evolving landscape of Olympic sports.