New sports pledge star attractions for spot in Games

By Karolos Grohmann

BEIJING (Reuters) - From stroke play with Phil Mickelson to squash's all-round glass court, seven sports are pulling all the stops to impress the International Olympic Committee and win a spot on the 2016 Games program.

The IOC will decide next year whether up to two new sports will be included for 2016 and golf, squash, rugby, karate, baseball, softball and rollersports are in full election mode.

Baseball and softball will be pushing for a comeback after they were voted off the 2012 London Games program some three years ago.

The IOC is eager to refresh its program as younger viewers turn away in greater numbers at every edition and the pattern of viewing is changing considerably, with new media taking a foothold among teens.

But for some sports, including baseball and golf, questions remain whether the top players are willing to take part.

"I think (Spanish golfer) Sergio Garcia will have noticed the tear in Rafael Nadal's eye at the tennis medals ceremony the other day," International Golf Federation's Head of Program Ty Votaw told reporters. "I think the players will support golf for 2016."

New world number one Nadal, from Spain, won gold in Beijing.

All of the sports present at a conference organized by Olympics-related website Around the Rings pledged to add value to the Games.

"We have 100 million athletes," International Karate Federation General Secretary-George Yerolimpos told Reuters. "Its appeal is just tremendous and we can bring that to the Games. It is exciting, fast and spectacular."

Rugby has also been tipped as one of the frontrunners for inclusion, with the rugby sevens format, following its successful World Cup last year.

World Squash Federation President Jahangir Khan, arguably the greatest athlete to ever grace the sport, said squash had worked hard to create a more audience-friendly image with portable glass courts that could be placed anywhere, inside or outside.

"You can have the court in the middle, set up temporary stands and have 10,000 people watching it," Khan said. "We have worked on becoming more viewer-friendly and will bring an exciting sport to the Games."

The inclusion of up to two new sports will be decided in October 2009 during the IOC session in Copenhagen. The sports program for any Olympic Games is decided seven years in advance.

(Editing by Alison Williams)