MONACO (AP) β The IOC has granted full recognition to Kosovo, meaning the Balkan country can send an independent team to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
The full International Olympic Committee made the decision Tuesday, formally ratifying the provisional recognition granted in October by the executive board.
Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008. Serbia has refused to accept the breakaway province’s independence.
The move to give Olympic recognition to Kosovo had been opposed by Serbian officials.
Kosovo becomes the 205th national Olympic committee recognized by the IOC.
