The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have announced their support of a proposal to add a package of five new sports (baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing) to the programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Sport Climbing as an Olympic event would consist of a four-day event including all three disciplines - Lead, Boulder and Speed - for 40 athletes, 20 male and 20 female. The combined result from rankings in these three disciplines would determine the overall podium-finishers.

The five sports will now be submitted to the IOC Session, where the final decision will be made in August.

The package was selected to promote gender equality while also focusing on innovative and exciting sports for Japan and the wider international community. The sports were also recognised for their focus on youth development, which is at the heart of the Games' vision for Tokyo 2020.

In response to the announcement, Marco Maria Scolaris, IFSC President, commented: "We are very pleased to reach a new step and are looking forward to the final hold of our unbelievable climb."

More information on the IOC's website.