South Sudan becomes 206th Olympic member and will now compete at Rio 2016

South Sudanese marathon runner Guor ?Marial competed at the 2012 London Olympics but under the Olympic flag

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 3 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) approved the full recognition of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of South Sudan at the 128th IOC session here.

IOC president Thomas Bach welcomed the South Sudan NOC, represented by its president Wilson Deng Kuoirot and its secretary general Tong Chor Malek Deran, into the Olympic fold and presented them with a certificate of recognition and an Olympic flag on Sunday, reports Xinhua.

"With this recognition, we send a signal of hope to this young nation of South Sudan. A signal of hope because sport builds bridges between people and cultures. In sport all people are equal, all ethnic groups, all cultures and all religions are equal. A signal that South Sudan needs in difficult times," said Bach.

According to Bach, the South Sudan NOC met the requirements for recognition as outlined in the Olympic charter.

Kuoirot said: "It is with a deep sense of honour and humility that we receive the privilege of being accepted into the worldwide family of the Olympic Movement. It will give great hope and inspiration to the youth of the country."

South Sudan NOC has seven Olympic sports federations.

"There will be four athletes competing in Rio 2016 representing South Sudan. All of them are training in the neighbour country Kenya," added Kuoirot.