IOC approves new events for Tokyo Olympics

TIL Desk Sports/ The International Olympic Committee (IOC) yesterday approved new events for the 2020 Tokyo Games, including a number of mixed-gender competitions. The IOC’s Executive Board made the decision at a meeting in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“The fascinating new events that we approved today, together with the five new sports that were added to the Tokyo 2020 programme last year, represent a step-change in the Olympic programme. I am delighted that the Olympic Games in Tokyo will be more youthful, more urban and will include more women,” said IOC President Thomas Bach.

The additions include a mixed team event for judo. Each team will consist of 3 men and 3 women, all representing different weight classes. Team events have already taken place at the judo world championships, but never on a mixed-gender basis.

Table Tennis will also get a mixed doubles competition. The event was featured in the recent world championships in Germany. A Japanese pair won gold. Three-on-three basketball is an example of the IOC’s focus on youth and urban sports. The 10-minute match on a half-sized court is known for its speed.