TOKYO — The World Baseball Softball Confederation has submitted an official proposal to Tokyo organizers for the addition of men’s baseball and women’s softball at the 2020 Games.

Baseball and softball were dropped after the 2008 Beijing Olympics but are considered favourites to return for the Tokyo Games because of their popularity in Japan and the availability of existing facilities.

Several other sports, including karate and squash, are also vying to be included on the program.

The final decision on which new sports will be added to the program will be made in August 2016.

Under the IOC’s "Olympic Agenda 2020" reforms approved in December, host cities can propose the addition of one or more sports for their games.