Look what you could have won: darts set for Olympics
Target is place at Games in next decade
DARTS is on its way to becoming an Olympic sport. The World Darts Federation is in the second stage of becoming a ‘recognised sport’ with the International Olympic Committee.
Once successful, darts would then be able to apply to be part of the Olympic programme. While it is too late for Tokyo 2020, the 2024 Olympics is still open, though 2028 is more likely.
Top players are supporting the bid, including world champions Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson. Two-time world champion Anderson said: ‘If you play darts at the Alexandra Palace, I don’t think there is an Olympic stadium that will come close to that.
‘Show me a sport in the Olympics that gets half as loud in the crowd, I don’t think you’ll find one.
‘I do think it is a sport. Is shooting a sport? Darts is, because you have to hit a target 8ft away and you’re working to millimetres. It is the same as archery.’
World Darts Federation president Bill Hatter said: ‘ We are in the process of ( applying for) Olympic recognition.
‘We are also a member of the Global Association of International Sport Federations and the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport, as well as compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code.
‘We are a member of the Olympic family, albeit not yet a recognised sport. As far as the Olympic recognition process goes, we are in the second level and are moving forward slowly.’
It is through this process that surfing, skateboarding, karate and baseball were added to Tokyo 2020. The idea is that these sports — all popular in Japan — will add to the legacy of the Games.
Sportsmail has seen a letter from Alliance of Independent Members of SportAccord president, Stephan Fox, that was sent to the World Darts Federation, confirming it as a ‘recognised sport and active member’.