Tokyo, July 18: The Olympic Games become a grander affair every four years with the introduction new sports into the program and with 339 medal events in the line up, the Tokyo Games will be the biggest-ever. The COVID-hit Games will witness five sports joining the Olympic program out of which four will make their debuts in the quadrennial showpiece. Here is a look at the five new sports, including four debutants, expected to introduce new Olympic stars.
Skateboarding: Skateboarding is an action sport that will make its debut in Tokyo after being included in the Olympic program for the first time. The sport had got a huge boost as it has already been approved to be part of the 2024 Paris Olympics. In Tokyo, medals will be on offer for two disciplines of skateboarding – park and street.
Surfing: Surfing is another action-packed adventure sport that will make its Olympic debut and will continue to be a part of the mega sporting event as it has also been approved for the 2024 Paris Games. The competition will be held in both men’s and women’s categories, featuring preliminary heats followed by head-to-head knockout rounds.
Sport Climbing: Sports climbing started to get recognition in the 1980s and its induction in the Olympic program for the first time in Tokyo will definitely give a huge boost to the discipline, which is popular among youths now-a-days. The event to be held at Tokyo’s Aomi Urban Sports Park will be contested as a single event.
Karate: Karate, the traditional martial arts of Japan will make its Olympics debut in Tokyo. The sport, born in Okinawa, Japan in 1868, was inducted by the Organising Committee in the roster because of its rich history and popularity in the country. However, karate will not feature in next edition of the Games in Paris.
Baseball/Softball: Baseball is set to make its return to the Olympic program in the upcoming Tokyo Games. Like baseball, softball will return for a one-off Games in Tokyo as it has been booted from the 2024 Paris roster. (PTI)
