Merkel spoke alongside DOSB chief Alfons Hörmann and his predecessor Thomas Bach, now President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Bach became the first DOSB head after the merger between the National Olympic Committee (NOK) and the German Sport Association (DSB) in 2006.

He led until 2013 when elected to his IOC position, claiming that the body continues to "enjoy an excellent reputation, highest respect and is considered one of the strongest associations".

"The last 10 years were full of sportive highlights and successes," added Merkel.

"Therefore, I would like to congratulate on behalf of the German Federal Government.

"If it is true that sport is a reflection of society, then our country can be really proud.

"The DOSB and all its members have large shares on it."

Hörmann emphasised how the merger a decade ago was "appropriate, necessary and important." 

But he admitted there was still "a lot to change", particularly in the eyes of the public after Hamburg's bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics and Paralympics was scrapped last year following a failed referendum.

This follows an eventful period of doping allegations surrounding the Sochi 2014 Olympic Games as well as claims of corruption during Tokyo's successful bid for the 2020 edition.

Germany has also faced its own problems as an investigation continues into alleged corruption surrounding the bidding process for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

"Doping, manipulation and corruption make a mockery of victories and destroys the credibility of the sport," Merkel warned.