Acapulco, October 26 At the end of the Acapulco meeting, the International Olympic Committee EB announced that it is looking favourably at the inclusion …….

of Women’s Ski Jumping, Ski Halfpipe, Ski Slopestyle, Snowboard Slopestyle, Biathlon Mixed Team Relay, Figure Skating Team Event and Luge Team Relay in the programme of the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

However, before taking a final decision, the EB said it would like to consider the outcome of the respective World Championships which will take place during the winter season in 2011.

The IOC Olympic Programme Commission analysed all the requests put forward by the International Sports Federations based on established criteria, and submitted its findings to the EB. The key positive factors included whether the changes would increase universality, gender equity and youth appeal, and in general add value to the Games. Other considerations included the cost of infrastructure, and the impact on the overall quota and the number of events.

The EB also confirmed that the sports programme of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games, which will be presented to the IOC Session for approval, would be the same as the one in Sochi, with seven sports.