Barry Hearn hints darts will NEVER become an Olympic sport as he slams what Paris 2024 chiefs hate
BARRY HEARN says there is not the “financial incentive” for darts to become an Olympic sport.
Many of the senior players, including world champion Luke Humphries, have expressed their desire for it to be a part of the future games.
But Professional Darts Corporation president Hearn says that the financial element of the sport stops it from being a feature.
He told TalkSPORT.com: “No, no, no let’s not go down that old road. The Olympics in its purest form is a wonderful occasion but that has all changed.
“All the things wrong about sport, you have to give them huge financial incentive to sacrifice their lives for our entertainment.
“The image of the Olympics like the medal and ceremony keep it alive. Have you ever tried to eat a medal?
“These guys need cash and the Olympic movement hates that for sure.”
Despite his financial views, Hearn also believes that darts should be a consideration purely as a sport in the Olympics.
He added: “Why not by the way? Darts is the fastest growing sport in the world.
“From a participation point of view, of course they should have darts. But why haven’t they got it?
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“They want to control things for the love of the sport, but I want to control things to give people the opportunity to change their lives.
“I’m proud of the job we’ve done, and I’m not bothered at all about the Olympics.
“So I’m not trying to get in it, I want to improve the player’s lives.”
World No.1 Humphries, who recently won gold by taking the World Cup victory for England, wants to get the chance at the Olympics.
He also told TalkSPORT.com: “Yeah I think it should be introduced – I think it’s the biggest sport in the world that isn’t involved, to be honest.
“I’ve seen many say, ‘You just throw darts at a board, it isn’t an Olympic sport’, but then are archery or shooting Olympic sports?
“They don’t require athleticism, it is aiming for a target. We do the same.
“All the top sports are included and darts is not, and I think that is totally fair to say.”