Described by the IOC as "the most comprehensive evolution of the Olympic program in modern history", the move just needs official sign off at the next IOC session, which is the major meeting of all Olympic chiefs before Rio's opening ceremony.

Skateboarder Alex Waldmeyer at Riverslide Skate Park in Melbourne. Credit:Pat Scala

It has been stressed that the addition of the five new sports will not disadvantage athletes in the 28 existing sports on the Olympic program. How those sports will run in Tokyo, in terms of what disciplines remain medal events, will not be settled by the IOC executive board until mid-next year.

It is a regular bone of contention in Olympic sports what events remain on the program for the biggest global sporting event held every four years. Changes to the program also have significant impact on individual athletes and, hence, the medal winning capabilities of countries.

The new sports are set to add 18 events and, according to the IOC, 474 athletes who might not have otherwise taken part in an Olympics, in Tokyo.