MUMBAI:The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session has voted that Golf and Rugby sevens be included in the 2016 Olympics that is to be held in Rio de Janeiro.

Following an evaluation by the Olympic Programme Commission of the seven sports seeking to enter the Olympics, the two sports were recommended by the IOC Executive Board (EB) in August.

Says IOC president Jacques Rogge, "Both Golf and Rugby are very popular sports with global appeal and a strong ethic. They will be great additions to the Games.

"The two sports, voted on separately in alphabetical order of the sports, Golf then Rugby, received a simple majority of votes cast by the members of the session. The result of the first vote was not revealed to the session until the vote for the second sport were taken.

International Golf Federation Secretary General Peter Dawson says, “The International Golf Federation is absolutely delighted by today’s results. We thank the IOC for the thorough process and are looking forward to playing our part as a member of the Olympic Movement. This is great for golf and we hope to be of great benefit to the Olympic Games as well.”

Says International Rugby Board president Bernard Lapasset, “I am so delighted and proud. My thanks to the IOC members for their wonderful support. Rugby is honoured to be a part of the Olympic Sports Programme and we are already looking forward to Rio 2016.”