Tokyo 2021: what sports are new in the Olympic Games?

The 2020 Olympics will have a batch of new sports that have never been featured in the games before. Leaning heavily on high-action sports.

The IOC set in motion the "Agenda of 2020", a reform to the organization of the games. One of the most interesting changes introduced in this agenda is that the host city can introduce or reintroduce new events to add to the Olympic program.

The sports

Baseball:

The Japanese have a strong baseball culture, so it is not surprising to have this sport in the program. Baseball debuted in 1992, and the last time it has hosted at the Olympics was 2008. Six countries will participate in this sport.

Softball:

First played in 1996, but like baseball, taken off the program in 2008. This introduction is one-time only and will not be featured in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Likewise, it will be played by six countries.

Skateboarding:

Unlike Softball, this sport seems it's here to stay, and it will be in the Paris games of 2024. Skateboarding will have two disciplines, park and street. A course has been created for the park athletes will have to maintain good form to score points. At the same time, the street style will have rails and stairs where participants will have to perform tricks to score points.

Surfing:

An action sport, a trend by the IOC. Approved as well for the 2024 games, but will take place in Tahiti. Depending on waves, the games might be postponed one day or two.

Climbing:

This will be the first time this sport is featured at the Olympics. It will resemble that of the traditional climbing exercise.

Karate:

It is very popular in Japan and has been featured in the Olympics before, but it's not always in the program. The sport will not be in the Paris 2024 games. Two disciplines will be featured at this year's Olympics: Kata and Kumite.

Basketball 3x3

It will be played in half courts, the sport will be like that of 5x5, with the difference of one-point and two-point shots, and the game will be shorter.

Cycling: Freestyle

No racing will take place with this sport. Instead, the participants will have to do tricks on a park theme scenario to score points for a possible medal.