South Sudan becomes IOC 206th member

South Sudan will compete at Rio 2016 Olympics after becoming the 206th member of the International Olympic Committee.

The IOC unanimously approved the inclusion of the African republic, which became independent in 2011. And the country is now free to compete at next year’s summer Olympics under its own flag.

IOC president Thomas Bach wished the country a “bright future” after its inclusion was ratified.

“This will put your nation on the world map,” he said.

“We will stand by your side.”

South Sudan’s Olympic chief Wilson Kuoirot is delighted with the development.

“I am delighted and exhilarated. This will promote reconciliation and national unity,” he said.

“Being a member of the IOC will allow us to send a team to next year’s Olympics. At present, we have four athletes, all training in Kenya.”

A South Sudanese marathon runner, Guor Marial, did compete at London 2012 but under the Olympic flag as South Sudan was not yet an IOC member.

The country already has a men’s football team due to take part in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.