Bhutan, together with Montenegro and Netherlands Antilles, became new member of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) at the 30th FISU General Assembly on Sunday.

Representatives from the three new members of the FISU family were warmly welcomed as applause and cheers hovered across the conference hall.

"We are so happy to join the FISU family, and I believe the FISU will further help our country to develop the sports activities," said Kezang Sherab, Secretary General of Bhutan's Royal University Sports Federation.

Besides the three new members, seven other candidates, including Kuwait and the Philippines, also submitted their applications to the FISU, but failed to be admitted to become active members in the assembly this year.

"It is mainly due to the paperwork," said Sherab, referring to their success, "the government fully supported us with the document preparation, so that our application strictly complied with the FISU regulations."

"Surely, our active participation in the Universiade is of great importance as well," he added.

Bhutan had sent athletes to take part in the taekwondo competitions in the 23rd Universiade held in Izmir, Turkey, in 2005.

Source: Xinhua