Working closely with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognised World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS) the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) have outlined a case as to why billiards sport - which includes snooker, carom billiards and pool - should be included.

WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson feels that the sport has the global reach to merit being a part of future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Snooker has grown at unprecedented levels in recent times and it has been our belief for some time that we should be given our chance on the ultimate global platform for sport," he said.

"In 2001 we delivered, with great success, our sport to the International World Games in Akita, Japan, a programme which has continued to this day.

"Today we strongly believe that cue sports has a very powerful case for inclusion in the Olympics in Tokyo."

"Snooker alone is watched by nearly half a billion people worldwide and played competitively in over 90 countries.

"With pool and carom alongside us under the WCBS, we have competition in around 200 countries, making us one of the world's most widely practised sports."

Snooker will be bidding to be a part of the Olympic programme along with other sports such as karate and baseball softball ©Getty Images



Ferguson also feels snooker in particular deserves to be included as the sport tests a wide range of strengths, both mental and physical.

"The Olympics brings together the most skilled and dedicated athletes on the planet," he added.

"There are few sports which can match the skill and concentration of snooker; our players are pushed to their limits in mind and dedication.

"Olympic participation is part of our global vision and we are committed to seeing our players competing for gold medals on the Olympic stage, let's begin in Tokyo in 2020."

Agenda 2020 was unanimously passed at the Extraordinary IOC Session in Monte Carlo which opened the door for more sports to be included on the Olympic programme
©Getty Images



The development comes after the IOC unanimously approved their Agenda 2020 reform at an Extraordinary IOC Session in Monte Carlo in December, which seemed to give scope for further sports to be included for future Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Under Agenda 2020, which does carry a certain level of ambiguity, there is now no limit on the amount of sports but there is a restriction on the amount of events.

But while billiard sports will be keen to press their case, it remains a long shot at this point with many other sports seemingly higher in the pecking order.

Baseball and softball remain favourite to gain inclusion, while other sports bidding to be a part of the Olympics include surfing, karate, squash and skateboarding.

The Summer Olympic programme currently includes 28 sports after golf and rugby sevens were added ahead of the Rio 2016 Games.

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