#长文创作激励计划#
Posted by Sister Hong
Editor|Sister Hong's self-media
1. The reason why Macao was unable to participate in the Olympic Games
Macau's Olympic dream began in 1991. At that time, Macau was still a colony of Portugal, and although Macau submitted an application for membership to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the suzerainty Portugal did not enthusiastically support it because it did not belong to China. Portugal's indifference led directly to the application not being approved, and Macau missed the Olympics for the first time. At this time, although Macao had the dream of the Olympics, it was never able to achieve its wish due to historical background and political reasons. This situation makes one wonder how the complexity of history can affect the sporting fate of a city so profoundly.
In 1996, the IOC made important changes to its statutes, making it clear that only UN member states were recognized. For Macau, this change is tantamount to closing the door to the Olympic Games. Although Macao tried to apply for membership in the International Olympic Games again after its return to China, it was still not approved due to the restrictions of the regulations. This controversial change to the constitution not only guarantees the internationality and unity of the Olympic Games, but also ruthlessly excludes special zones such as Macao, which is a sad sigh.
Looking back at Macau's situation under Portugal, Portugal did not show a positive attitude towards Macau's Olympic membership during its colonial rule. Portugal could have used its international influence to secure a better sporting status for Macau, but chose to sit on the sidelines. This attitude not only affected Macau's Olympic dreams, but also reflected the shortcomings of colonial rule. It was because of Portugal's negative attitude that Macau's application in 1991 was unsuccessful, missing out on close contact with the Olympic Games.
The reasons why Macao could not participate in the Olympic Games are not only the far-reaching influence of the historical background, but also the restrictions of the IOC constitution, and the negative impact of Portugal's colonial rule. This combination of factors makes Macau's Olympic dream seem unattainable. However, Macau's athletes have not been deterred by this, and they have continued to fight hard in other international competitions to win glory for Macau.
2. The participation and achievements of the Macao Sports Delegation
Although Macau will not be able to participate in the Olympic Games, this has not stopped Macau's athletes from showing their strength in other international competitions. As a Special Administrative Region of China, the Macao Sports Delegation is eligible to participate in the National Games (National Games) as well as other major international events. Every time the National Games kick off, Macau athletes will go all out to win glory for their hometown. Whether it is the National Games or other international competitions, Macao athletes always write their own wonderful chapters on the field with sweat and hard work.
Macau may be small, but it is full of talent. Among the many outstanding athletes, Li Yi is undoubtedly the most dazzling star. As the pride of Macau, Li Yi won the gold medal in women's changquan at the Asian Games, which is not only her personal glory, but also a major breakthrough in Macau's sports. She proved that Macau athletes can also stand on the top podium on the international stage. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Kwok Kian Heng won the bronze medal in the men's individual karate competition, becoming another milestone in the history of Macau's sports. Kwok's performance gave people a glimpse of the future of sports in Macau and is full of hope.
The Macao sports delegation not only performed well in the Asian Games and the National Games, but also won many awards in other large-scale international competitions. From Li Yi's gold medal in women's long boxing at the Asian Games, to Guo Jianheng's karate bronze medal at the Hangzhou Asian Games, to the many medals won by the Macao team at the National Games, these achievements are all testaments to the progress and development of Macao's sports. In every competition, Macao athletes use their actions and achievements to tell the world that although Macao is small, its dreams are big. Whether standing on the podium of the National Games or shining in other international competitions, the fighting spirit of Macao's athletes is worthy of praise.
The splendid performance of the Macao sports delegation in the National Games and other international competitions has not only won glory for Macao, but also injected new vitality into Macao's sports undertakings. Although they were unable to participate in the Olympic Games, Macao athletes still wrote their own glorious chapters in other competitions.
3. Comparison with other special zones in China
Hong Kong's road to the Olympics is much smoother than Macau's. As early as the 1950s, Hong Kong successfully joined the International Olympic Committee as a member. The process was not complicated, mainly because Hong Kong already had a relatively stable political and international status at that time. Hong Kong's Olympic dream has never been seriously hindered by historical background or international rules. This relatively smooth entry has allowed Hong Kong to make frequent appearances on the global sports stage, providing more opportunities for Hong Kong athletes to showcase their talents.
The situation in Chinese Taipei is more complicated. Chinese Taipei's Olympic membership was achieved in the 1970s, a process that involved complex political and international negotiations. Chinese Taipei's qualification was largely based on its special international status and coordination with the International Olympic Committee, which eventually made it a full member of the International Olympic Committee. Compared with Macau, Chinese Taipei's success is inseparable from its strategy and flexibility in handling international relations. After Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997, it continued to participate in the Olympic Games under the name of "Hong Kong, China".
The revision of the IOC's statute in 1996 had a direct impact on Macau. This amendment stipulates that the International Olympic Committee recognizes only members of the United Nations as members. The change is like a closed door for Macau, keeping it out of the Olympics. Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei have successfully joined because they have already obtained membership before the IOC revised its statutes. Macau, on the other hand, has also tried to apply for membership after its return to China, but it has never been able to do so due to constitutional restrictions.
The reason why Macau was unable to participate in the Olympics is in stark contrast to the situation in Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei. Hong Kong was able to participate in the Olympic Games thanks to its early membership in the International Olympic Committee, while Chinese Taipei realized its sporting dreams through complex international negotiations. However, due to the multiple influences of history, politics and international rules, Macao was unable to successfully join the International Olympic Committee and show its style at the Olympic Games. Despite the difficulties, the Macao sports delegation has worked hard in other international competitions and won many honors for Macao.
Fourth, future possibilities and prospects
Looking ahead, the possibility of Macau participating in the Olympics remains uncertain. At present, the IOC's charter excludes Macau, but it will be interesting to see if there will be a turnaround in the future as the international situation changes. Macau's performance in international sports is becoming more recognized, and whether the IOC will re-examine it may also be a key factor. However, to achieve this goal, Macau needs not only political and sports efforts, but also broad international support and cooperation.
In the future, Macao's ability to qualify for the International Olympic Games will depend on a number of factors, including changes in the international political environment and Macau's own efforts. The revision of the IOC's statutes and the dynamic adjustment of international politics may bring new opportunities for Macao's Olympic dream. If Macao can win more support from the international community, it may be able to break through the existing limitations and realize its Olympic dream one day in the future with its sporting prowess and active international cooperation.
Despite not being able to participate in the Olympics at the moment, Macau is still making a name for itself in other international competitions. The outstanding performance of Macao athletes in the Asian Games, the National Games and other events has won Macao international acclaim. In the future, Macao can continue to use these platforms to enhance its international sports status. By continuously improving the level of athletes, strengthening training and international exchanges, Macao will not only be able to achieve excellent results in existing competitions, but also gradually accumulate more international influence.
Macau's sports prospects are promising. Although it is currently unable to participate in the Olympic Games, the positive performance of the Macao sports delegation in other international competitions has earned Macau recognition on the international sports stage. Although the road ahead is full of challenges, with continuous efforts and international cooperation, Macao is expected to achieve greater breakthroughs in the field of sports.