The Bowls in the Olympics Advisory Group will support the sport's bid for Olympic recognition ©Getty Images

World Bowls has launched a Bowls in the Olympics Advisory Group (BOAG) to support the sport's bid for Olympic and Paralympic inclusion.

The group will provide advice and guidance to the World Bowls Board while consulting with representatives from the governing body, member nations and relevant experts.

Bowls Australia chief executive Neil Dalrymple will chair the panel.

"The Olympics and Paralympics are justifiably seen as the pinnacle of sport and are undoubtedly events that many sports aspire to be included in and many athletes desire to compete it; positioning Bowls to have the best chance to be included in the 2032 Brisbane programme is the major purpose of this committee," Dalrymple said.

"This committee will play a very important role in preparing a plan and a course of action for Bowls to be included in the Olympics and/or Paralympics in 2032, which is the ultimate end goal, but we know there is considerable work ahead in order for this outcome to be achieved.

"Personally, I thank the World Bowls Board for the opportunity to chair this committee and I’m pleased that we have been able to assemble a suitable and diverse mix of experienced bowls administrators from across the globe to progress this important project for the sport and all Bowls Member Nations."

The Bowls in the Olympics Advisory Group aims to see the sport included at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games ©Getty Images
The Bowls in the Olympics Advisory Group aims to see the sport included at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

The panel will mainly focus on the preparation of a plan that addresses all key issues and milestones that have hindered bowls' Olympic aspirations in the past.

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games have been targeted for bowls' debut.

As a result, Australia is well represented in the group.

Dalrymple will be joined by World Bowls President Darryl Clout and national team member Lynsey Clarke.

World Bowls chief executive Gary Smith, International Bowls for the Disabled President Paul Brown, Bowls Canada chief executive Anna Mees and Bowls New Zealand chief executive Mark Cameron complete the delegation.

Bowls is a core sport of the Commonwealth Games and has featured at every edition since 1930, bar the 1966 event in Kingston in Jamaica as no sufficient bowling greens were available. 

Netball and rugby league have also expressed hope of being added to the Olympic programme in 2032, while cricket - also popular in Australia - is lobbying for inclusion at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and beyond.