Athletes from around the world will compete in 26 sports at the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Sports must meet several requirements and must also receive a majority vote by The International Olympic Committee (IOC). Here's a look at sports that should be considered and some we'll see in future Games.
Cricket:This sport, which is played in more than 100 countries around the world was once included in the Games in 1900, but has not been played in the Olympics since. The International Cricket Council is now pushing to be part of the Games in 2020. England's captain Andrew Strauss prepares to hit the ball watched by West Indies' Denesh Ramdin (L) and Darren Sammy (C) during the second cricket test match at Trent Bridge cricket ground in Nottingham May 28, 2012. (REUTERS/Philip Brown)
Surfing: The International Surfing Association boasts an estimated 20 million surfers in more than 100 countries around the world and they've been pushing for consideration since Sydney 2000. Mick Fanning of Australia surfs during a quarter-final of the men's Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) Billabong Rio Pro championship at Barra da Tijuca beach in Rio de Janeiro May 16, 2012. (REUTERS/Sergio Moraes)
Billiards: While many may laugh this off as a non-sport, the IOC officially recognized the World Confederation of Billiard Sports not too long ago. Supporters argue billiards, in some form or another is played in every corner of the world and would work to bring diversity to the Games. Ronnie O'Sullivan (R) takes on Ali Carter of England on May 7, 2012 during the third session of the World Championship Snooker final at the Crucible Theater in Sheffield, England. (AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS)
Ultimate Frisbee:Now known by just Ultimate, the sport is pushing to be included on the shortlist for future Games. In one small victory, the IOC recognized that Ultimate is a global sport was included in the 2001 World Games. Some have shut down Ultimate as it is predominantly played in North America, although it is gaining popularity in some Asian countries and Europe. Others say however, that players are almost evenly split between male and female players, a boost for the Games. Ultimate Frisbee player, Adam Blanchard, makes a diving catch during a demonstration game for the media in Ottawa, Wednesday, August 10, 2011, a day before the start of the Canadian Ultimate Championships. (DARREN BROWN/QMI AGENCY)
Netball:The ball sport derived from basketball is played in more than 80 countries around the world and is regulated by the International Federation of Netball Associations. The IOC recognized the game in 1995, but it has since failed to make the shortlist. Critics argue the sport, which is predominantly played by women, does not include enough male athletes. Australia's Sharelle McMahon (2nd R) shoots against New Zealand during their women's netball final match at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi October 14, 2010. (REUTERS/Amit Dave)
Karate: There are currently four fighting disciplines included in the Olympics; Boxing, Wrestling, Judo and Taekwondo. Karate came very close to joining Olympic rank for Rio 2016, but did not receive enough votes from the IOC. It is estimated that 50 million people worldwide practice Karate. Indian youths perform karate moves during a summer training camp in Hyderabad on May 23, 2012. (AFP PHOTO/Noah SEELAM)
Squash:Meeting the same fate as Karate, Squash was on the shortlist for Rio 2016, but didn't get enough votes. According to the World Squash Federation, more than 20 million people in 175 countries already play or compete in the sport. Supporters say the 45-minute game fits nicely in the Olympics schedule, the courts are not expensive to build and it being voted the 'world's healthiest sport' by Forbes Magazine shouldn't hurt its chances either. Top seed Shahier Razik, right, in a match against Thomas Brinkman at the 2012 Canadian Squash Championships at Niagara on the Lake, Ont. (MIKE DIBATTISTA/QMI AGENCY)
Golf:First played in the Olympics in 1900 and 1904, Golf will make its return at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. At least 30 countries are expected to compete – a big difference from just two (United States and Canada) in the early 1900s. Preliminary plans include a 72-hole individual stroke play tournament for both men and women. Tiger Woods of the U.S. watches his tee shot on the 10th hole during the Nationwide Invitational Pro-Am at the Memorial Tournament in Dublin, Ohio, May 30, 2012. (REUTERS/Matt Sullivan)
Rugby:Having garnered the most votes from the IOC, Rugby will re-appear at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Rugby was previously played in Paris 1900, London 1908, Antwerp 1920 and Paris again in 1924. Rugby Sevens – a variation of the 15-a-side game will be played in Rio. Barbarians Ernst Joubert (L) wins a line up against England's Joe Launchbury during their rugby union match at Twickenham Stadium in London May 27, 2012. (REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth)