Snooker chiefs push for Olympic recognition

LONDON: Snooker chiefs are set to make a bid to have their sport included in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
New legislation implemented in December by the International Olympic Committee now allows a host city to bring in a new sport on a one-off basis.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) and World Confederation of Billiard Sports (WCBS) have joined forces and submitted a bid to make the Games in five years’ time.
“Snooker has grown at unprecedented levels in recent times and it has been our belief for some time that we should be given our chance on the ultimate global platform for sport,” WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said on Thursday.
“In 2001 we delivered, with great success, our sport to the International World Games in Akita, Japan, a programme which has continued to this day.
“Today we strongly believe that cue sports has a very powerful case for inclusion in the Olympics in Tokyo.
“Snooker alone is watched by nearly half a billion people worldwide and played competitively in over 90 countries.
“There are few sports which can match the skill and concentration of snooker; our players are pushed to their limits in mind and dedication.
“Olympic participation is part of our global vision and we are committed to seeing our players competing for gold medals on the Olympic stage. Let’s begin in Tokyo in 2020.”
However, the odds are against snooker being given Olympic recognition, with Tokyo reportedly considering adding baseball and softball to the event programme.