Nitin Kumar Makes History as First Indian to Win 2026 World Darts Championship
Nitin Kumar has made history by becoming the first Indian to win a match at the PDC Darts World Championship. His remarkable victory against Richard Veenstra, a Dutch player, marks a significant milestone for Indian darts.
Nitin Kumar’s Historic Victory
The 40-year-old Kumar triumphed with a score of 3-2, overcoming Veenstra at the Alexandra Palace. This win is particularly notable as Kumar had previously lost in all four of his first-round matches in the tournament.
Crucial Gameplay Stats
Despite scoring lower than Veenstra, Kumar’s finishing skills made all the difference. He achieved a 75% checkout success rate, successfully hitting his last seven doubles.
- Match Score: 3-2 in favor of Nitin Kumar
- Checkout Success Rate: 75%
- Last Seven Doubles: All successfully hit
Reflections on the Win
Kumar expressed his overwhelming emotions after the victory, stating, “I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy.” He has been inspired by Dennis Priestley’s win in 1994, saying, “If you dream it, anything is possible.”
He also highlighted the potential impact of his success on darts in India, claiming, “I’ve opened the floodgates to a billion of them.” Kumar humorously added that in ten years, he envisions a scene where eight Indian players could walk onto the stage with Bollywood music.
Next Challenges
Looking ahead, Kumar may face Stephen Bunting, the fourth seed, who is set to compete against Sebastian Bialecki in the upcoming evening session.
