The move was welcomed by the governing bodies of the sports - the Federation of International Bandy, the World Underwater Federation, the World Association of Kickboxing Associations (WAKO) and the International Powerlifting Federation.

The addition of the four sports follows dance sport and flying disc became FISU being recognised in May.

"The recognition of sports beyond our current programme is a step forward for the University Sports Movement as it enlarges its reach to more and more student athletes from different types of sports and countries," FISU President Oleg Matytsin said.

"FISU encourages these sport federations to continue to work in the university sports realm and further the messages of education and sport."

FISU claim the latest additions to the list of recognised sports shows they are "addressing the growing interest from IFs in joining the University Sports Movement".

"The internal review of FISU’s sports programme has led to the implementation of four major changes – a gradual shift to the intra-university format of competitions in team sports (FISU World University Leagues and World Cups), a reduction of the programme size with fewer events, the creation of two sport clusters (combat sports and mind sports) and a new focus on endorsed events for FISU recognised sports," FISU added.

The next FISU recognition process is due to take place in 2019.

"By being recognised by FISU, we have reached a new milestone in our international status," WAKO President Borislav Pelevic said. 

"We already have an extended student and university activity and as President I am proud to finally be a part of FISU. 

"I am sure this will strengthen WAKO within the field of students, an important market for our sport."