Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: DARTS in India is growing up fast! From October 3 to 5, the Tollygunge Club of Kolkata will be hosting not just one, but three landmark events – the second edition of the PDC World Darts Championship – India Qualifier, the debut of the Youth National Darts Championship, and the franchisestyle Tolly Indian Darts League (IDL). The three together form the most ambitious darts festival ever held in the country.
The first PDC India Qualifier in Kolkata last year was historic; this year, it is bigger in every way. The winner of the India Qualifier will once again represent the country at London’s Alexandra Palace – but with an important twist. The Indian champion is now assured £15,000 (Rs 18,00,000) in prize money – double the £7,500 guaranteed last year. Globally too, the PDC has doubled its prize pool to a record £5 million (Rs 60,00,00,000), with the world champion set to pocket £1 million.
Luke Littler effect
Such exponential growth within a year is almost unheard of in sport. Much of it is credited to the ‘Luke Littler effect’, the teenage sensation who has inspired a new generation worldwide. Luke Littler had honed his skills by winning the Junior World Darts Championship twice in the run up to being crowned the current PDC World Champion. That effect is clearly visible in India, where the second edition of the Qualifier has attracted record entries, ensuring sharper competition and new names breaking through.
“This Qualifier is about more than prize money,” said Devesh Srivastava, President of the Indian Darts Council (IDC). “It’s about proving that Indian players can compete at the highest level and inspiring the next generation to aim for London and beyond.”
The headline act this year, however, is youth. The Youth National Darts Championship makes its debut, offering a national platform to a new generation of Indian players.
Devesh Srivastava
President Indian Darts Council
It comes on the back of the JDC Junior World Cup – Indian Qualifier in Surat this August, which saw four youngsters win the right to represent India in Gibraltar in November. The first-place winner, Aryaveer Chokhani, is already a symbol of what’s possible. “Winning in Surat was unforgettable. But what excites me most is that kids across India now believe darts can take them to the world stage,” Aryaveer said.
Youth movement
The youth tournament in Kolkata will also feature the presence of Steve Brown, Founder Chairman of Junior Darts Corporation (JDC), and Darren Barson, CEO, Junior Darts Corporation (JDC), both flying in from the UK. “We are excited to accelerate the youth movement of darts in India,” said Brown. “Together with the Indian Darts Council, we’re building pathways from schools and academies to world championships.” Barson added: “This is the right moment for India. With the right structures in place, a future world champion could very well come from here.”
For parents, darts is being pitched as more than sport – it is a life-skill builder. It sharpens focus, strengthens mental mathematics, builds accuracy, and develops confidence under pressure.
No festival is complete without celebration, and the Tolly Indian Darts League (IDL) is set to provide it at its best. Featuring 16 teams in a franchise-style format, the IDL will combine the camaraderie of team sport with the precision of darts.
For players, it is a chance to compete in a high-energy, professional environment. For fans, it is a spectacle that mirrors the success of other franchise leagues in India – but at a fraction of the cost and infrastructure. The buzz around the IDL reflects the inclusivity of darts and its growing appeal across age groups.
Kolkata epicentre
On three days, from October 3 to 5, Kolkata’s Tollygunge Club will be the epicentre of world darts, with three events under one roof, international dignitaries in attendance, and the highest prize money ever assured for an Indian player. “This is more than three tournaments,” said Srivastava. “It is a celebration of how far Indian darts has come – and where it is heading.” The Indian Darts Council (IDC) has a clear vision: grow the game at grassroots, build opportunities for youth, and put India firmly on the global darts map.
With the PDC India Qualifier entering its second year, the Youth Nationals creating pathways for children, and the Tolly IDL showing the power of leagues, Indian darts is no longer a sideshow. It is a sport of precision, discipline, and ambition – and its future is looking brighter than ever.
