IDF bans alcohol from competitions

BEIJING,Nov. 20 (Xinhuanet) -- Now whoever thought the International Darts Federation could be controversial? They are. This week as the World Cup continues in Shanghai, the sports governing body has announced drinking alcohol at professional events will no longer be tolerated.

Darts is a game that originated in the bars in Britain more than 150 years ago. The activity is now popular across Europe, Australia and North America. It is estimated that there are around 30 million people who throw darts across the U-S.

Because the activities needs limited space or athletic ability, people from all walks of life can participate in it. And since it has its roots in the ale house, it has been quite common to see someone raise a glass during the competition.

This is not something that you will see competitors in other sports do -- and you will no longer be able to see it in dart anymore either.

Mei Zhou, IDF Vice Secretary-General, said, “Since the IDF is efforting to make darts an Olympic event. This kind of thing will not happen again in its future competitions.”

As a promoter and ambassador of the IDF, Robert believes drinking will not help players during a competition. but will in fact hinder their chances at winning.

Darts is a relatively new hobby in China, and Robert says he has seen the sport develop rapidly in the country and Asia over the last three years he has visited the region.

The IDF will have a difficult time getting darts into the Olympics, but at least it has been approved by the General Administration of Sport of China.