Following a change in the ANOC Constitution, each of the five continental associations must have at least one female among their representatives, with Gündoğan set to serve alongside the likes of Sweden's Gunilla Lindberg, secretary general of the umbrella organisation. 

After becoming the first NOCT member to be elected to the nation's Executive Committee in 2001 before being appointed secretary general two years later, Gündoğan also serves on the Executive Committee of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games and on the International Olympic Committee's Women and Sport Commission.

She has also been a key official supporting Turkish Olympic teams at every Summer Olympic Games since Sydney 2000 and at every Winter edition since Turin 2006.

"I am absolutely thrilled to have been elected as the female representative for Europe on this highly influential Council," she said after her appointment during the ANOC General Assembly in Bangkok.

"I am passionate about the good that we can all bring to world sport and to encourage participation in every single nation.

"This General Assembly has been an opportunity for much important discussion concerning the future of the NOC family and how we can provide the best conditions for athletes and future athletes all over the world.

"I am delighted to be representing women and representing Europe on this Council and look forward to a lot of hard but very rewarding work in the coming years."

Gündoğan, a key supporter of Istanbul's unsuccessful bid for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, has published articles on women and sport in Turkey and has "tirelessly worked to ensure the development of women athletes, coaches and officials in Turkish sport".

She also serves at the Turkish Athletics Foundation to increase the participation of children and youth in athletics.

Her appointment comes at a time when there is much focus on increasing opportunities for women in sports administration, as well as in major competitions such as the Olympic Games, with every participating country having at least one woman in their team at London 2012. 

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