TOKYO -- Wushu has been included in a shortlist of sports seeking to join the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and the news left the Chinese fans both happy and cautious.
The Tokyo Olympic organizing committee Monday accepted eight of the 26 sports that sought to be added to the 2020 Games, including a joint bid from baseball and softball.
The seven others were bowling, karate, roller sports, sport climbing, squash, surfing and wushu.
The Tokyo Games organizers could further trim down the list before they submit the final list to the International Olympic Committee by Sept. 30. The IOC will vote on which events will be added to the 28 core sports at its Session in August ahead of next summer's Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
After years of efforts to be added as an Olympic program, Wushu, a traditional Chinese sport, finally has another chance after the Chinese failed to add it into the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The Chinese fans are pleased with the news and at the same time cautious about the sport's Olympic future.
"China is strong in Wushu and can win many medals if the sport is added into the Olympics," said internet user Steven.
But some are concerned that Wushu's similarity with other combat sports like judo and taekwondo may well affect its chance.
"I don't hold high hopes because there are many combat sports in the Olympics. And for Wushu routine, it is similar to the gymnastics to some extent," said Mathias.
