Sales, known in Hong Kong as "Mr Sports" due to his huge contribution over more than five decades, was President of the Commonwealth Games Federation between 1994 and 1998.

He was one of the founders of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, which he led as President from 1967 to 1998.

At the Munich Games, he played a part in securing the safe release of Hong Kong athletes who were sharing a building with the Israeli team when it was attacked by Palestinian terrorist group Black September.

He is said to have "risked his life" by confronting the armed group, who later killed 11 Israelis and a German police officer.

When Hong Kong was passed from British rule to China in 1997, Sales played a part in ensuring that the city-state could still compete separately on the international stage.

Sales, who is of Portuguese descent and was called "Sonny", was born in Chinese city Guangzhou in 1920 and moved to Hong Kong when he was eight.

At the time of his death he was Honorary Life President of the Hong Kong NOC.

"Being one of the founders of the federation, Mr Sales devoted more than half a century as honorary secretary general, chairman, President and Honorary Life President to provide insights in different stages of sports development in Hong Kong and internationally," the governing body said. 

"Under his Presidency from 1967 to 1998, Hong Kong athletes gradually gained recognition in many international multi-sports Games such as the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games and Asian Games. 

"With his vision and utmost effort, Hong Kong was retained as a separate sporting entity after the changeover of sovereignty which greatly supported the continuum of worldwide exposure of Hong Kong athletes for sports competitions beyond 1997.

"The Olympic Spirit and Olympism were spread across Asia with his leadership as chairman of the Hong Kong Olympic Academy from 1987 to 2014. 

"His significant contribution to the Olympic Movement in Hong Kong, Asia and worldwide was marked by the award of the International Olympic Committee trophy for sport and sustainable development in 2012.

"Mr Sales was not only a great contributor to the development of sport, he also was of great value to community developments in Hong Kong. 

"His work as chairman of Urban Council, a member of the Housing Authority, the Hong Kong Basic Law Consultative Committee and other public services, had been widely recognised by Hong Kong Governments and numerous organisations. 

"His passing away is a great loss to sports and the local community."