The announcement was made by the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO).

Pan American Kickboxing Confederation President Paulo Zorello described it as another step forward for both the continental division and WAKO.

"We all are working very hard to support our members and help them in the development of kickboxing at national level," he said.

Zorello also paid tribute to FVKB chairman Ydre Ortega, who he said had done a "very good job".

"My personal congratulations to him and to the entire Venezuelan Federation for a brilliant future in the name of kickboxing," he added.

The news comes on the back of the Polish Kickboxing Federation (PKF) officially becoming a member of its NOC.

"Our long-term aspirations to gain membership of the POC (Polish Olympic Committee) have become a reality," PKF President Piotr Siegoczyński said.

"Polish Kickboxing Federation has been recognised by Polish Ministry of Sport since 1989. 

"It took a long time to gain a change in perception of non-Olympic sports in Poland and join the Olympic family. 

"To achieve this goal we have organised many activities in Poland and internationally.

"We owe a lot to the success of the 2017 World Games in Wroclaw."