Becomes member

South Sudan becomes the Olympic movement’s 206th member, crossing the final hurdle to competing at the Rio games. The IOC approves the country’s National Olympic Committee. IOC president Bach says during the meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

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.

IOC officials and South Sudanese representatives are seen wiping away tears during Sunday’s ceremony. South Sudan has seven recognized Olympic sports federations, including basketball, table tennis and athletics. The country needs five federations to be recognized, according to IOC requirements.