The federations of the seven sports in the frame for inclusion in the 2016 Olympics have made their presentations to the International Olympic Committee.

Representatives from the governing bodies for baseball, softball, roller sports, golf, rugby sevens, karate and squash went before the IOC to try and claim one of the two spots available.

Each federation was given 45 minutes to present their case to the IOC Commission followed by a question and answer session.

The IOC’s preference for sports that appeal to a younger audience could push the likes of roller sports to the fore with IOC president Jacques Rogge stating: ‘We are looking for an added value – wide appeal, especially for young people.’

The IOC program commission has been evaluating the seven sports, attending their major events and assessing their strengths and weaknesses.

‘It’s a very open race,’ Rogge said. ‘There are supporters of all seven sports both inside and outside the executive board. I can say any of the seven would be good in the Olympic programme.

‘We are looking for an added value – wide appeal, especially for young people, universality, whether infrastructure (sic) is costly or not.

‘And, first and foremost, there must be a big fight against doping. This is a very important aspect. We also are looking to see if the sport or two sports fit well into the puzzle of the Olympic programme.’

The 15-member board will meet in Berlin on 13th and 14th August to choose the two sports to submit for ratification by the full membership in Copenhagen.

The four cities bidding to host the 2016 Games will also make their presentations in Switzerland this week.

Chicago, Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo will put their case straight to IOC members on Wednesday and Thursday in the first ever forum for rival cities to stake their claim.