The Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have approved the event programme fort the Olympic Games 2020, which marks a milestone on improving gender equality and by introducing youth and urban innovations.

The decision will lead to a net increase of 15 events, an overall reduction of 285 athletes from Rio 2016, and the highest representation of female athletes in Olympic history. In Tokyo, the number of mixed events will double from nine in Rio 2016 to 18.

Commenting on the decision, IOC President Thomas Bach said: “The fascinating new events that we approved, 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.”

The decision is significant step towards achieving the 50 per cent gender balance at the Olympic Games in both athletes and events, as stated by Olympic Agenda 2020.

Four new International Federations (IFs) will move to gender-balanced in events for the first time (Canoe, Rowing, Shooting and Weightlifting). In terms of athletes, six IFs will move to gender balance for the first time (Canoe, Judo, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting and Weightlifting). At discipline level, gender balance is achieved in BMX Racing, Mountain Bike and Freestyle Wrestling.

The programme also includes youth-focused and urban-based additions such as Basketball 3x3 and BMX Freestyle, on top of Sport Climbing and Skateboarding.

From Olympic.org