Andy "The Viking" Fordham won the world title in January

The campaign will highlight continuing growth in the game and the success of national teams at all levels.

"Having founded the BDO over 30 years ago we are more determined than ever to make them (the UK Sports Council) see sense," said BDO chief Olly Croft.

"The combination of our ongoing success and growth makes me feel very confident that they will change their attitude."

It is estimated that seven million people play darts in Britain, with 50m stepping up to the oche around the world.

Croft is particularly pleased by those figures and the inclusivity of the sport that has seen British women and youngsters playing with increasing regularity.

"Darts and the success of the BDO and our players has only ever served as a benefit to the sporting reputation of this country," he added.

Fordham throwing for gold

The sport has recently pushed for inclusion at the Olympics and the BDO is also keen to highlight the skill, fitness and mental agility of its athletes.

And while world champion Andy Fordham peppering the trebles may not quite bear athletic comparison with Jonny Wilkinson slotting penalties, "the Viking" can boast huge mental ability.

Fordham has lent his support to a Government campaign aimed at improving numeracy among children using the mental arithmetic that is a crucial tool to any darts player's armoury.

The BDO also argues that darts was deemed a sport when the government decided to remove tobacco sponsorship from the world championship.