Editor's note: An Olympic delegation from the Chinese mainland will visit Macao from Dec 19 to 21. Athletes hope to share their sportsmanship with residents in Macao. Let's take a brief view to learn more about Macao's sports development.

Members of Macao Special Administrative Region delegation parade into the stadium during the opening ceremony for China's 14th National Games in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, on Sept 15, 2021. (XINHUA)

Performance of Macao athletes at Games

In the men's karate individual competition at the 14th National Games, Macao player Kuok Kin-hang won a bronze medal, the first medal since Macao participated in the National Games. It helped the Macao SAR athletes to show more confidence at the country's grand sports stage.

This was the sixth time that Macao had participated in the quadrennial multi-sport event, having first done so in 2001. Among the 152 member delegation, its largest ever, a total of 102 athletes competed in 17 sports.

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Macao has participated in eight consecutive editions of the Asian Games — from 1990 in Beijing to Jakarta-Palembang in 2018. Athletes have won a total of 28 medals in the eight editions. Athletes from Macao won seven medals each at the Doha Asian Games and Incheon Asian Games, setting a record. Veteran Wushu player Jia Rui won Macao the first gold at the Guangzhou Asian Games in men's Daoshu and Gunshu Combined in November 2010.

The 68th Macao Grand Prix on Nov 20, 2021. (IC)

Create brand events to attract tourists

The Macao SAR government places high hopes on the Grand Prix and other events to attract more tourists from the mainland to help boost the local economy. 

Macao's ability to host two Grand Prix events amid the COVID-19 pandemic meant a lot to the motor-racing industry

The first Macao Grand Prix event was held in 1954. For many years, the Macau Grand Prix has been a season-ending tradition for much of the motorsport world and it holds special significance for the FIA as the only event to feature three different FIA world cups on the same event schedule.

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This year, the 68th Macao Grand Prix attracted about 56,000 spectators. Macao's ability to host two Grand Prix events amid the COVID-19 pandemic meant a lot to the motor-racing industry.

Macao International Dragon Boat Races

Every year since 1979, Macao has played host to Dragon Boat Races tournament. The Macao International Dragon Boat Races 2021 was held from June 12 to 14 at Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre. This year's event presents performances and booths for creative products and local cuisines. With the dragon boat races, visitors will gain an authentic experience of Macao's dragon boat festival celebrations and the event will establish itself as a unique brand of sports tourism in Macao and facilitate the diverse development of the city's sports sector.

Athletes compete during the Macao International Marathon on Dec 5, 2021. (XINHUA)

Macao International Marathon

A total of 12,000 people participated in the Macao International Marathon on Dec 5, 2021, which included full marathon, half-marathon and mini-marathon. The event has gained increasing popularity and attracts athletes every year from local and neighboring regions. By incorporating the elements of sports, tourism and culture, the event highlights Macao's image as a sports city and a world center of tourism and leisure, which consequently promotes the development of sports tourism.

Volleyball Nations League Macao leg

Macao has held 23 editions of the world-class international Women's Volleyball competitions with great success from 1994 to 2019. The 2020 Volleyball Nations League, which included a Macao leg slated for early June, was canceled amid the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Competitors participate in a competition in Macao, Aug 30, 2020. (XINHUA)

Seize opportunity and look to the future

With the Hengqin Guangdong-Macao Deeper Cooperation Zone Overall Development Plan, the integrated development of Guangdong and Macao and sports exchanges between different regions will continue to be deepened. All regions and cities can give full play to their advantages, share sports and tourism resources and facilities, and develop Macao's sports industry and expand the sports industry chain.

The State Council announced on Aug 26 that Guangdong province, Hong Kong and Macao will co-host the 2025 National Games, making the two special administrative regions to firstly hold the nation's top sports competition. The 2025 Games would help promote closer communications between sports bodies in the three hosts.