Surfing, skateboarding, climbing among potential Tokyo 2020 Olympic events

Surfing, skateboarding, sport climbing, karate and baseball/softball have been recommended for inclusion at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

The recommendation was made by the Tokyo 2020 organising committee ahead of the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) final decision on the events next August.

"This package of events represents both traditional and emerging, youth-focused events, all of which are popular both in Japan and internationally," said a statement from the 2020 committee.

If the recommendations are upheld by the IOC, it will be the first time that karate, surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing have ever appeared in the Olympics, while baseball/softball will be returning after a 12-year absence.

Eight sports were shortlisted for recommendation, with bowling, squash and wushu missing out.