This Friday, 9 October, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the introduction of rugby sevens and golf into the sports program for the 2016 Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the 2020 Games. The vote was held at the Bella Center in Copenhagen during the 121st session of the IOC.

President of the Rio 2016 Committee, Carlos Arthur Nuzman, supported the inclusion of rugby and golf as new additions to the Olympic events program. “Rio de Janeiro has all the facilities for these two sports. Rugby matches will take place in the São Januário Stadium, a venue already approved by the International Rugby Federation. There are two possibilities for the golf competitions - the Gávea Golf Club or the Itanhangá Golf Club. The final decision is up to the International Golf Federation,” explained Mr. Nuzman.

“Rugby is an exciting and dynamic sport and is sure to be a big attraction to the Games. In contrast, golf is a more leisurely activity in a pastoral setting and requires accuracy and concentration. I myself voted in favor of introducing these two sports into the Olympic program,” said Mr. Nuzman, who asked president Jacques Rogge for permission to address the session and spoke in favor their inclusion.

Rugby was approved by 81 votes in favor and only eight against (one abstention). The result for golf was 63 in favor and 27 against (two abstentions).