BERLIN (Kyodo) Baseball and softball failed Thursday in their comeback bids for the 2016 Summer Games, as the International Olympic Committee executive board here decided to recommend golf and rugby sevens for inclusion for the games.

The decision is sure to disappoint Japanese sports fans and players, as Japan's national baseball and softball teams have won a number of medals in past world competitions. The two have been dropped from the Olympic program for the 2012 London Games.

Karate, squash and roller sports also missed the cut Thursday.

Golf and rugby will be added upon the IOC assembly's OK in Copenhagen on Oct. 9.

"All seven sports made a strong case for inclusion, and the executive board carefully evaluated them in a transparent and fair process. In the end, the decision came down to which two would add the most value," IOC President Jacques Rogge said.

"Golf and rugby scored high on all the criteria. They have global appeal, a geographically diverse lineup of top iconic athletes and an ethic that stresses fair play."