Soon to be Olympic?
Following the 2020 Agenda imposed by IOC President Thomas Bach, the number of Olympic sports at the summer games has been raised to 28. Many have applied, these eight are candidates for Tokyo 2020.
Surfing
Spectacular, trendy and appealing to a younger audience: surfing has a lot going for it. On top of those three facts is that an ocean with waves is no longer needed as competitors could battle it out in wavepools. What's not to like?
Wushu
Wushu is what the Western world would consider kung fu. It's a Chinese martial art that combines the traditional Chinese martial arts with new techniques. The question is: will the sport will make it into a Games held by neighbours Japan?
Baseball and Softball
Baseball was an Olympic sport for the men between 1992 and 2008, with softball joining the Games in 1996 for women. Both sports were dropped in 2012 but, with Japan a keen baseball nation, the pair's return looks more than possible.
Squash
For years, the World Squash Federation (WSF) has been trying to make their sport an Olympic one. So far they've had no luck. In 2005 they looked all set to feature as a new sport at the 2012 Games in London, but failed at the final hurdle.
Rollersports
There would be a lot to look forward to if roller and inline sports became an Olympic sport: Roller figure skating, speed skating and roller hockey to name just a few. Skateboarding helps the cause as it is favored by the IOC because of its large, young following.
Bowling
Since 1979, the US's beloved bowling has been considered worthy of Olympic status. However, it has never made it as a sport at a Games. In 1986, the IOC rejected the proposal, and three years later the sported hosted a demonstration competition. Since then, they've been biding their time. Maybe 2020 will be their time to strike.
Climbing
Climbing offers three disciplines. Lead climbing is all about who can climb the highest on an unknown climbing route, bouldering is similar but up a smaller height and in a horizontal direction and then there's speed climbing - which is a test of who can get to the top fastest.
Karate
For the third time, karate has made the IOC shortlist. The sport's governing body has done its homework, altered the competition schedule and met the IOC requirements. If not in Tokyo, then where should the Japanese sport succeed?