UPDATE: In a follow-up to the media release issued earlier today (see below), World Bowling President Kevin Dornberger sent a letter to national bowling federations around the world. The letter includes a list of other sports that also have made the short list for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Here is the text of Dornberger’s letter:

“I am extraordinarily pleased to advise you that tenpin bowling has been included in the list of 8 short-listed additional 2020 Tokyo Olympic sports that was announced today by the Tokyo Organizing Committee.

“Under the procedure that has been announced by the TOC, we will undergo further review and examination, including an interview in Tokyo August 7-8, prior to a TOC announcement of the final requested sports sometime in September 2015. We do not know very much about this review and examination process, although there are indications that the TOC may follow the current guidelines of the IOC.

“If it appears to us that you may be of assistance in this secondary process, then we will certainly come back to you in a timely fashion. In the interim, we will keep you advised as to developments.

“… The other sports that are short-listed are baseball-softball, karate, roller sports, sport climbing, squash, surfing and wushu.”

World Bowling issued this media release this morning…

LAUSANNE, Switzerland — Today, World Bowling is delighted to count itself among the eight candidate sports on the short list to be included in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Already very popular in Japan, with millions of people bowling every year, the inclusion of bowling in the Tokyo Olympic Games would bring a great added value to the event.

The sport of bowling is universal, has an international appeal and is practiced everywhere in the world. As a sport that can be played at all levels, it is a lifetime sport that relates to a large part of society. Moreover, bowling has been a unique catalyst to inspire millions of young players and female participation in countries and regions around the world where athletic involvement is limited.

World Bowling is even more eager to showcase its sport after this morning’s decision. From July 9-12, Tokyo will hold the World Bowling Open, an event that will showcase many of bowling’s best. The event features players from 70 different countries, a combined male and female event, and a site-built arena for the finals.

World Bowling’s President, Kevin Dornberger, said, “Today is an historic day for our sport. It is an honor to be included on the first short list, and we look forward to showcasing the best of bowling in the next phases. Bowling encompasses all the core values of the Olympic Movement and the Olympic Games, and as a global sport we have the ability to engage with fans and supporters on all levels.“