Delihasan, who also leads the Turkish Karate Federation, was unanimously nominated by the KFB Board during the body's third general meeting in Serbian capital Belgrade.

Leadership of the regional body rotates on a two-year basis, meaning he is expected to serve until 2017.

He has replaced Bulgarian Alexei Petrov, who was among those to recommend Delihasan as his successor.

“I am very happy to be elected as the President," said the Turk.

"It is a big source of pride for me and my country.

"We have more responsibilities now and I want to represent Turkish Karate and Turkey, fullfilling my obligations in the best way."

Turkey has long been one of the world's most successful karate nations, having won three gold and nine medals at this year's European Games in Baku, with it hoped that this success can now be replicated among other members of the 11-strong body.

Born in Rize in 1969, Delihasan competed over 120 times for the Turkish national team before shifting to the administrative ranks, being chosen as one of the world's eight leading athletes in 1988.

He has served as TKF President since 2008 and is also a member of both the World and European Karate Federations as well as serving as first vice-president of the Mediterranean Karate Federation Union.

Among his first challenges in the new role will involve ensuring the success of next month's cadet, junior and under-21 Balkan Championships in Dubrovnik, Croatia, from December 11 to 13.

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