Kosovo has been granted full membership to the International Olympic Committee, it has been confirmed this afternoon.

The Kosovan Olympic Committee first applied to field a team at London 2012, but that request was rejected.

However, the IOC have continued to review the case and have today accepted the proposal, which in turn will allow Kosovan athletes to complete at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Majlinda Kelmendi was the only athlete from Kosovo to compete in London two years ago, when she represented Albania.

In a short statement on Facebook, Kosovo Prime Minister Hashim Thaci revealed that the judo player will carry the nation's flag in Brazil.

"Congratulations Kosovo and all athletes. Our flag will wave at the Olympic Games in Rio and will be held by Majlinda," he said.

Kosovo was declared independent from Serbia back in 2008.