The former over-84 kilograms world champion had been expected to challenge for the maiden men's over-75kg Olympic title at Tokyo 2020, but was forced to withdraw after an injury in his preliminary-round bout against Georgia's Gogita Arkania left him in agony.

Competing in the team kumite for Germany, Horne won silver and bronze medals, respectively, at the World Karate Championships staged in Bremen in 2014 and Linz in 2016.

He is also a seven-time European champion in individual events, and took gold in the team kumite at Adeje in 2012, but now transitioned into coaching and assumed a senior role in German karate.

The 33-year-old believes the new role offers him an opportunity to relay his knowhow to other German athletes.

"I am very happy about the trust that the DKV has placed in me," Horne said.

"Holding this position is a great honour for me and I feel like serving the Association, but I also want to give something back from my experience to the athletes.

"Our long-term goal is to establish a team that fights for medals internationally.

"However, this can only be achieved in close cooperation with the state associations and the home coaches.

"If we pulling together, our ideas can be implemented."

Horne leads a new kumite coaching staff appointed by the DKV, with Alexander Heimann serving as his assistant.

Mark Haubold has been handed a role overseeing under-16 and under-18 karateka.

DKV President Wolfgang Dunekamp believes the new coaching staff represent a strong trio, claiming that they are "on the same wavelength" which will be pivotal "to place the team spirit even more at the centre of our work".

Germany sent four athletes to Tokyo 2020 to compete in karate, but it failed to earn a medal.

The World Karate Federation argued that the decision to overlook the sport for the Paris 2024 programme was an "injustice", and recently held talks with USA Karate official over lobbying for potential inclusion at Los Angeles 2028.