Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: IF the curtain-raiser promised India’s darts revolution, the three-day festival at Tollygunge Club, Kolkata, delivered much beyond that. With record-breaking participation, thrilling finishes, and a surge of youthful energy, the event marked a defining milestone in India’s sporting journey.
From October 3 to 5, the venue came alive with three mega tournaments – the PDC World Darts Championship India Qualifier, the first-ever Youth National Championship, and the inaugural Tolly Indian Darts League (IDL).
Fierce competition
The PDC India Qualifier witnessed fierce competition and high drama as defending champion Nitin Kumar was tested like never before. “The competition has become tougher with every edition,” he said after reclaiming his title.
In a gripping final against Ankit Goenka, Nitin’s experience helped him edge through in the deciding legs, securing his ticket to the PDC World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace.
“The event has shown us what’s possible when the right structure and vision come together” Devesh Srivastava
This year also saw strong performances from established names: Vikash Kothari, a former national champion making a stellar comeback; Mohan Goel, who won the first tour event earlier this year and was Nitin’s doubles partner in Germany; and Limatoshi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police from Nagaland, whose composed play and quarterfinal victory over Nitin made headlines. Their performances reinforced that Indian darts now has both depth and class, and a new standard of competition.
Promise, potential
If Nitin’s victory represented experience, the Youth National Darts Championship embodied promise and potential. Aryaveer Chokhani, just 14, dominated the field to become India’s first Youth National Champion, defeating Aayush Kothari in a commanding final. “It still feels unreal,” Aryaveer said, adding, “To play in a national event of this scale and share the stage with legends was incredible.” Players had travelled from every region of India, making it a true national celebration of youth talent.
“The event has shown us what’s possible when the right structure and vision come together,” said Devesh Srivastava, President of the Indian Darts Council (IDC). “The participation, discipline, and performance levels we witnessed are a glimpse into India’s future,” he added.
Team spectacle
The debut of the Tolly Indian Darts League (IDL) turned the festival into a team spectacle. With 16 teams and 160 players, the league blended fierce competition with camaraderie, offering spectators a taste of professional team darts at its finest.
After three intense days, Biscotti Barrels lifted the inaugural IDL Champions Trophy, with team owner Vijay Mittal receiving Rs 3 lakh in prize money, and an additional Rs 1 lakh awarded to the players.
Fittingly, the team’s captain was none other than Aryaveer Chokhani, who capped off a dream weekend by winning both the Youth National title and the IDL crown. “IDL brought a new dimension to the sport,” Aryaveer said. “We played as one family, and the atmosphere was unbelievable,” adding further.
Shared purpose
In a heartwarming gesture, players and leaders came forward to support India’s youth team heading to Gibraltar this November for the JDC World Championship.
While IDC President Srivastava donated Rs 1 lakh, TBC darters donated their entire prize money of Rs 50,000. Biscotti Barrels pledged Rs 50,000, BRC Rockers and Nitin Kumar Rs 25,000 each, and Limatoshi donated his entire Rs 15,000 prize money. Together, these contributions showcased the camaraderie, generosity, and shared purpose uniting the growing darts community of India.
The presence of Steve Brown, founder of the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC), and Darren Barson, CEO of JDC, added global stature to the festival. Both were present all three days of the fest.
“This has been a world-class event in every sense,” said Brown. “From infrastructure to organisation to the sheer enthusiasm of players, India has all the ingredients for longterm success, he added. “The future of darts in India is in safe hands, and JDC will continue to work with IDC to take the sport to grassroots levels,” said Darren Barson On the centrestage From youth brilliance to professional teamwork, the three tournaments together showcased a sport on the rise.
“This is not just about one event,” said Srivastava. “It’s about building an ecosystem where young talent finds opportunity, global collaboration drives standards, and India looks ahead with confidence.” As the lights dimmed at Tollygunge Club, one thing was clear – darts in India is no longer on the sidelines. It has arrived centrestage.
