Saji Chacko
IN a historic step for Indian sports, Kolkata became the focal point of a world-class darts event as it hosted the India Qualifier for the prestigious PDC World Darts Championship, on October 27-28.
Organised by the Indian Darts Council (IDC), in collaboration with internationally- acclaimed Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), the tournament marked a milestone under India’s ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’ initiatives, aimed at promoting a culture of fitness and competitive sports.
With 153 players participating – up from 23 last year – the event highlighted the surging interest and growth of darts in India. “This qualifier was a historic moment for Indian darts,” remarked IDC President Devesh Srivastava. “With PDC’s support, we’ve seen a surge of young talent stepping up, embodying the spirit of both ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’.”
Towards world stage
The India Qualifier provided a chance for Indian darts players to showcase their skills on a global stage, marking the first time PDC has joined hands with IDC to ensure that the best Indian talent could gain direct access to such a prominent international platform.
Among the leading players was Nitin Kumar, originally from Coimbatore and currently based in Dubai. Kumar’s remarkable performance saw him clinch victories across all three events of the tournament, securing his place at the upcoming World Darts Championship in London this December.
His triumph, particularly over notable opponents Sangam Kumar Roy and Amit Gilitwala, underscored the emerging potential of Indian players in global sports.
Excited about representing India in London, Kumar took the opportunity to inspire younger audiences: “Darts is a fun game that strengthens mathematical skills, focus, and mental resilience. For any youngster looking to improve concentration and tackle pressure, darts is an ideal sport.”
Global support
The success of the India Qualifier was a testament not only to the enthusiasm of Indian players, but also to the international support the event received. Russ Bray, a respected figure in the global darts community and a PDC global ambassador, who attended the tournament, said, “The facilities here are among the best I’ve seen, rivalling even top international venues. The partnership between PDC and IDC will propel Indian darts to new heights, creating a global impact.”
Bray also spoke of darts as a unique, inclusive sport. He praised its capacity to bring together people of all ages and genders, stressing that in darts, men and women, young and old, compete on equal footing. “This makes darts a true symbol of gender equality and inclusivity,” he said.
Beyond its inclusivity, Bray underscored the mental benefits that make darts particularly appealing for India’s young population. “Darts is deeply connected to mental acuity,” Bray explained. “It demands quick decision-making and strategic thinking – skills vital for personal growth and national advancement,” he said.
As the popularity of darts grows in the country, the sport is becoming a pivotal part of India’s broader sports movement, aligning with initiatives like ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India.’ Both these programmes aim to promote sports culture at the grassroots level, encouraging physical fitness, mental wellness, and competitive spirit among the youth.
By bringing the PDC World Darts Championship Qualifier to Kolkata, the IDC and PDC have taken a significant step in giving Indian players exposure to international standards and opportunities. Srivastava sees the event as a foundational step for the future of darts in the country. “Our collaboration with PDC allows Indian players to compete with the best on an international level, expanding their horizons and motivating more young people to pick up the game,” he said.
For IDC, he said, the objective is clear: to elevate darts to the level of other popular sports in India, while fostering a generation that values fitness, mental resilience, and competitiveness.
A valuable role
Through the event, the IDC and PDC have shown that sports like darts have a valuable role to play in shaping India’s sporting landscape. They provide an accessible, engaging, and challenging activity that appeals to individuals across age groups and genders, of- fer ing a platform for honing both physical and mental skills.
As Nitin Kumar prepares to carry the aspirations of a billion Indians to the PDC World Darts Championship, his journey symbolises the successes of initiatives like ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India.’ Events like the India Qualifier underscore the transformative potential of these programmes.
