Darts set for the Olympics as Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson back bid for place in the next decade
World Darts Federation is in the second stage of becoming a ‘recognised sport’
Darts could feature at the 2024 Olympics, although 2028 is more likely date.
World champions Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson are backing the bid
Darts is on its way to becoming an Olympic sport with its world governing body ticking the boxes with the International Olympic Committee.
The World Darts Federation have told Sportsmail they are in the second stage of becoming a ‘recognised sport’ with the IOC – a requirement to get to the Games.
The WDF are compliant with the Olympic charter and World Anti-Doping Code, and are slowly but surely pressing forward with the process.
The WDF are in the process of Olympic recognition,’ WDF president Bill Hatter confirmed.
‘We are also a member of the Global Association of International Sport Federations (GAISF, formerly known as SportAccord) and the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS), as well as compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code.
‘The WDF attends meetings for WADA, GAISF and AIMS and 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 of our application and are moving forward slowly with this process.’
The documents that have to be completed to be considered a recognised sport by the IOC have been described as ‘comprehensive and rigorous’ and ‘extremely deep and technical’ by those dealing with them.
It is through this same 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 those Games and this is taken into consideration when the IOC add to their programme.
Sportsmail has seen a letter from Stephan Fox – the AIMS president and GAISF vice president – that was sent to the WDF, confirming it as a ‘recognised sport and active member’ to them.
AIMS and GAISF are umbrella organisations recognised by the IOC. A spokesperson for the former said: ‘AIMS services its members in providing assistance in the IOC application using its resources and experience.’ WADA also confirmed that the WDF is governed by its code.
Daily Mail