The confirmation of the the International Federation for American Football (IFAF) and the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), which followed their recognition by the International Olympic Committee last December, as well as the merger between baseball and softball into the combined World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), brings the total number of sports in the body to 34.

All 34 sports had suggested improvements to the running of the organisation as part of answers to a survey, the contents of which was the main topic of discussion during the assembly.

The key message was maintaining and increasing the role of ARISF within other organisations, including the IOC, as well as SportAccord and the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA). 

Of those survey, 79 per cent believe relations with the IOC should be better, while 96 per cent think there should be an ARISF presence on at least ten IOC Commissions. 

ARISF President Raffaele Chiulli nevertheless spoke positively about steps being taken following a meeting with IOC President Thomas Bach last year and ahead of another such meeting here later this week.

Chiulli also claimed the addition of demonstration events such as roller sport and sport climbing to the programme for the Nanjing 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games as another positive step forward, as well as the formation of a Liaison Committee with the IOC which will be formalised "very soon". 

Sport climbing is one ARISF sport enjoying a growing profile following Youth Olympic inclusion ©Getty Images





As well as representatives from across the ARISF sports, the meeting was also attended by figures from other organisations.