At 71 Years Old, One of the Greatest Legends the Sport Has Ever Seen — Mr. Paul Lim Announces What Must Change in PDC Darts from 2026 Onward.

At 71 Years Old, One of the Greatest Legends the Sport Has Ever Seen — Mr. Paul Lim Announces What Must Change in PDC Darts from 2026 Onward.

 

 

At 71 years old, one of the greatest legends the sport has ever seen, Mr. Paul Lim, has once again captured the attention of the darts world. Known globally as a pioneer of Asian darts and a player who has defied age, expectations, and generations, Lim is now turning his focus toward the future of the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC). His message is clear: if darts is to continue growing beyond 2026, meaningful change is not just desirable—it is necessary.

Paul Lim’s career is unlike any other. From hitting the first televised nine-dart finish at the 1990 World Championship to competing on major stages well into his seventies, Lim represents longevity, discipline, and passion. Few athletes in any sport can claim such a lasting presence. Because of this, his voice carries weight—not only as a former champion, but as someone who understands how the game has evolved across continents, cultures, and generations.

According to Lim, the future of PDC darts must focus more strongly on global development. While the sport has flourished in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, Lim believes the next era depends on serious investment in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. He argues that expanding opportunities, tournaments, and pathways for international players will not dilute the quality of the game, but instead raise standards and increase competitiveness worldwide.

Another key issue Lim highlights is player longevity and welfare. At 71, he is living proof that darts is not just a young person’s game. However, he believes the current professional schedule is too demanding and risks shortening careers. Smarter scheduling, better rest periods, and increased support for physical and mental health could allow players to perform at a high level for much longer. This, Lim suggests, would benefit both players and fans by preserving familiar faces and legendary rivalries.

Lim also stresses the importance of respecting the sport’s heritage while embracing innovation. Technology, data analysis, and broadcasting improvements have transformed darts into a global entertainment product. Still, he warns against losing the human element—the stories, struggles, and personalities that make players relatable. For Lim, the balance between modern presentation and traditional values will define the success of PDC darts after 2026.

Finally, Lim’s perspective serves as inspiration. His continued competitiveness challenges assumptions about age and athletic decline. He believes darts should actively promote inclusivity, showing that talent, dedication, and love for the game matter more than age or background.

As PDC darts looks toward 2026 and beyond, Paul Lim’s words resonate not as criticism, but as guidance. Coming from a man who has given decades to the sport and continues to compete with pride, his call for change is rooted in experience, respect, and hope. At 71, Paul Lim is not just reflecting on the past—he is helping shape the future of darts.