Dutch MP Jimme Nordkamp has thrown his weight behind the campaign to make darts an Olympic sport, with some of the biggest names in the game having already expressed their support. The 29-year-old, who represents the municipality of Losser in Eastern Netherlands for the Dutch Labour Party, is a keen player himself and believes it’s high time the sport was recognised on the global stage.

He argues that the meteoric rise in popularity of darts, particularly following the emergence of young sensation Luke Littler, means it can no longer be ignored or dismissed. Speaking to De Telegraaf, Nordkamp said: “As far as I’m concerned, it’s time for the next step – darts should become an Olympic sport. It’s top-level competition now. Darts has become a proper international sport, with millions watching around the world. We can’t keep pretending it’s not.”

Three-time world champion and fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen has also voiced his support for the idea.  He told reporters: “I think it can happen, there are sports already in the Olympics that are less professional and not as global as ours. But it’s not up to me – it’s down to the Olympic Committee, Matchroom Sport, and the PDC. I don’t get a say, even though I’d love to.”

World No.2 Luke Humphries also backed the move and earlier this year as he said: “I would love to see it in the Olympics – I don’t care if I’m not a part of it, I would just love to see it. But do I think it will happen? Probably not in the next five to 10 years. I don’t think there’s enough traction around it, I’m not sure if it’s being pushed.”

Should the sport be introduced to the Games, it would position Great Britain among the leading contenders for Olympic glory. Littler and Humphries have commanded some of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.

However, one significant obstacle preventing darts from entering the Olympics lies in its administrative framework. The International Olympic Committee demands that sports featured in the Games operate under a single worldwide governing authority.

Whilst the PDC represents the largest and most recognised professional governing body, it fails to satisfy this requirement. The Olympics has however welcomed fresh sports in recent times.

Golf represents a recent inclusion, enabling Justin Rose to secure an Olympic medal. Rugby 7s has also been incorporated, permitting some of the sport’s leading figures to participate. 

The forthcoming 2028 Games in Los Angeles will feature two additional sports: American Flag Football and Squash.