A five-month long process to select new Tokyo 2020 sports has begun, with the process to include presentations within the city itself in August ©AFP/Getty Images

Applications have opened for sports to apply for inclusion at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, with Federations having until June 8 to submit responses to a preliminary set of questions.

A total of 33 International Olympic Committee (IOC) Recognised Federations have been invited to apply, with baseball and softball considered favourites to return to the Olympic fold following the exclusion of the two sports after Beijing 2008. 

Karate and squash also harbour serious aspirations, while roller sports, surfing, sport climbing, wushu and snooker are others aiming to be included. 

Although not an IOC recognised sport, it is possible skateboarding could also apply, but seemingly only if it is amalgamated within the International Roller Skating Federation (FIRS), something due to be discussed at the Global Skateboarding Summit in Istanbul later this month.

The other 25 eligible to apply are bowling, bridge, underwater sports, chess, climbing and mountaineering, motorcycling, waterski and wakeboarding, air sports, floorball, polo. flying disc, motor racing, basque pelota, korfball, netball, lifesaving, dance sport, boules, tug of war, orienteering, powerboating, sumo, cricket, racquetball and American football.

Baseball and softball are considered the most likely sports to be added, but others are also confident and it remains possible more than one could be proposed ©Getty Images
Baseball and softball are considered the most likely sports to be added, but others are also confident and it remains possible more than one could be proposed ©Getty Images

Following the submissions of applications, an Additional Event Programme Panel will examine each to ensure "full compliance" with the key principle of serving as a "driving force to promote the Olympic Movement and its values, with a focus on youth appeal", as well as "engaging with the Japanese population and new audiences worldwide". 

A panel of shortlisted International Federations and events will then be formed, with successful applicants to be informed of the panel decision before June 22.

In a second phase of applications, shortlisted International Federations will submit further details and present in front of the Panel in Tokyo in early August before recommendations are passed to Tokyo 2020 ahead of a final decision being proposed to the IOC by September 30.

The decision will then need to be approved formally at next year's IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro in August 2016 on the eve of the Olympics. 



Related stories:
April 2015: IOC-recognised International Federations urged to apply for Tokyo 2020 inclusion
February 2015: No decision on new sports at Tokyo 2020 to be made until next year
January 2015: Tokyo 2020 establish Programme Panel to consider adding new sports
January 2015: 3x3 basketball optimistic of inclusion at Tokyo 2020
December 2014: Karate officials meet with Japanese Prime Minister to kick-start drive for Tokyo 2020 inclusion