5 new sports considered for 2020 Olympics

NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - The International Olympic Committee says it is considering adding five new sports and 18 new events to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The sports are baseball/softball, karate, skateboard, sports climbing and surfing.

Five sports and 18 proposed events were selected by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and its Additional Event Programme Panel through an open process that was initiated in May 2015. Twenty-six IOC-recognised International Federations originally applied, and eight of these were shortlisted in June 2015.

The final decision, in line with the Olympic Charter, will be made by the IOC at the 129th IOC Session in Rio in August 2016.

“Each of the eight shortlisted international federations amply demonstrated their potential to add to the value of the Games and I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to each of them for their outstanding efforts. We firmly believe that by connecting with youth, bringing to life Olympic Agenda 2020 and the Tokyo 2020 vision, our proposal constitutes the best possible package that will add the most value to the Games.” said Fujio Mitarai, Chair of the Additional Event Programme Panel.