The format, provisionally decided here at a meeting held during the International Judo Federation (IJF) Tokyo Grand Slam, will consist of six weight divisions featuring both genders.

Men are expected to compete at under 73, under 90 and over 90 kilograms.

Female bouts at under 57, under 70 and over 70kg would also be held.

It is hoped this will add dynamism to the judo programme and boost gender equality.

It marks a change from previous plans to propose separate male and female team medal events - the format which takes place at World Championship level.

"The mixed team event is very attractive for everybody," IJF President Marius Vizer told insidethegames here.

"It is exciting and dynamic so should help to grow the sport.

"Team events have been held in different formats since the 1970s.

"But we believe that now is the right time [for it to be held at the Olympics], particularly as we will be returning to the home of judo [in Tokyo] in 2020."

It is planned around 12 teams could participate, with qualification based on ranking points.

Only athletes who have already qualified for the Olympics in individual events would compete.

The even-numbered nature of contests means that a 3-3 draw would be possible.

In this case, the winner could either be decided by counting the number of points accrued across the six contests, or by selecting one category at random in which a deciding contest would take place.

A mixed team and mixed nationality event across seven weight categories also took place at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing.

The latest proposal will now be submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ahead of a final decision expected by the Executive Board in June 2017.

Other sports - including archery, table tennis and triathlon - are also pushing mixed team events.

Basketball 3x3 and BMX freestyle competitions are thought to be other leading contenders to be added.

This process to add new disciplines and events is separate to the one to add new sports which was completed earlier this year.

Baseball and softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing have all been duly added.

Karate is expected to join judo in being hosted at the iconic Budokan venue in central Tokyo.

The IJF is also finalising a process to change rules in order to make the sport more exciting.

A technical meeting took place here yesterday and the changes are expected to be announced following another meeting tomorrow.