Chinese gov commends Rio Paralympics delegation

The athletes are honored at the Great Hall of the People by China's sports authority on September 21, 2016. Chinese Paralympians returned to home with the record-breaking achievements of 239 medal wins.[Photo: CRI]

Two days after the Rio Paralympics came to a close, Chinese Paralympians returned to home with the record-breaking achievements of 239 medal wins.

The athletes are being honored at the Great Hall of the People by China's sports authority.

At the commendation meeting in Beijing, the Chairman of the Chinese Paralympics committee, Zhang Haidi, congratulated the Champions of the Rio Paralympics.

"Chinese athletes are swept the Rio sports venue with successes. Our national anthem has been played again and again. On the side of swimming pools, 3 of our national flags were being raised together at the same time. I know that some of you cannot see the raising flags and some of you cannot raise your arms, but the word China is imprinted in your hearts already. I'm very proud of all of you! "

China has dominated the Rio Paralympics medal chart with 107 golds, 81 silvers and 51 bronzes, breaking 51 world records in the competition.

They were followed in the gold medal chart by Ukraine and Great Britain, who would fall behind China in golds even if their gold medals were summed up.

Swimming was one of the strongest events for team China, with over 30 gold medals won at the different swimming events in Rio.

Jin Zhipeng, 24-year-old swimmer who took home 4 medals during his ever Paralympics, says he gave his best efforts to the games.

"This is really a surprise for me. I never thought that I could make such an achievement. I have outperformed myself this time and did better than ever before. Winning the medals means a lot to me, but what pleased me the most is I got the chance to compete with top-class athletes from around the world. I was very excited. "

Over 100 paralympians were given honorary titles by The Central Committee of the Communist Young League, All China Federation of Trade Unions and the All-China Women's Federation.

Sports teams such as the archery team, and track and field were also awarded national prizes.

China has topped the medal board in the last three Summer Paralympics, beginning at the 2004 Athens Games.

This year, 308 Chinese athletes participated in the games, the largest China has ever sent overseas to a Paralympics.

The athletes are a physical representation of the country's commitment to keeping its spot as a Paralympic powerhouse.

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