TOKYO, Sept 8: The Japanese government decided on Friday to approve Tokyo’s bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, paving the way for the metropolitan government to officially file its candidacy with the IOC.

Tokyo’s bid will formally be approved in a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, government officials said.

Japan’s central government is expected to bear up to half the cost for building major facilities for the Games.

Along with Tokyo, Chicago, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid have also declared their bids to host the 2016 Olympics.

The Tokyo government has proposed building a new main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies and track and field events in the Harumi waterfront district.

The IOC is expected to announce a final list of applicant cities for the 2016 Games on Sept. 14. In June, the IOC will whittle the field to a short list and then select a host city in October 2009. Chicago is considered the potential early front-runner in the 2016 race.

The US hasn’t hosted the Olympics since Atlanta in 1996. Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics in 1964. Nagano (1998) and Sapporo (1972) have also staged the Winter Olympics.—AP