South Sudan will compete at Rio 2016 after becoming the 206th member of the Olympic movement.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) unanimously approved the inclusion of the African republic, which became independent in 2011.
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.”
A South Sudanese marathon runner, Guor Marial, did compete at London in 2012 but under the Olympic flag as South Sudan was not yet an IOC member.
South Sudan already has a men’s football team due to take part in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, reports BBC.
