The Youth Olympics is a pet project for Rogge

The Olympic movement boss told French sports daily L'Equipe the event would feature athletes aged 14 to 18.

"It's a project I've had in the works since my arrival in the IOC presidency in 2001," Rogge said.

The IOC is conducting a feasibility study into the proposal, which will be discussed at the IOC executive board meeting in Beijing on 25-27 April.

Rogge claimed most international sports federations approached about the idea have not opposed it.

He said about 3,500 athletes would compete in largely the same sports as those in the regular Olympics.

The event would be similar to the European Olympic Festival, which Rogge established in 1991 when he was head of the European Olympic Committees.

The European event, held every other year, has summer and winter versions.

Rogge added the Youth Olympics should use existing sports venues and not require host cities to build new facilities.

Earlier this year, Australia staged a Youth Olympic Festival for athletes aged 13 to 19.