Kosovo to compete in Rio 2016 after IOC recognition

Kosovo have been granted full IOC recognition, paving the way for the state to enter a team at the 2016 Olympic games in Rio.

The IOC granted them a provisional status in October and despite objections from Serbia, whom Kosovo declared independence from in 2008, objected, the IOC have now granted them full membership to the committee, making them the 205th national Olympic committee. Kosovo are recognised as a state by 108 of the 193 United Nations member states, and their Prime Minister Hashim Thaci has stated that their flag in Rio will be carried by Majlinda Kelmendi, who was Kosovo's only entry in the London 2012 games, competing in judo under the flag of Albania. Besim Hasani, head of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, said: "This is one big day, one historical day for athletes of Kosovo "This is the beginning of a new era for the Olympic movement in Kosovo."