Although sports in the Portugal-controlled region already had a long history, Macau first began to participate in international tournaments under a separate name following approval to do so by the Olympic Committee of Portugal in 1974.
Although the sovereignty of Macau was transferred from Portugal to the People's Republic of China in 1999, the new government has continued to allow Macau to participate in international organisations and sporting events under the name "Macau, China" using the regional flag of the Macau Special Administrative Region [REF].