Whether it be protests against the ban on Russia or question marks surrounding the manipulation of classification systems to boost medal chances, there appeared to be a number of reasons to think that the focus could be taken away from the sporting action.

While these proved to be unfounded, there tragically turned out to be something else that in the words of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Sir Philip Craven "cast a shadow over what have been great Paralympic Games". 

That something was the death of Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad during yesterday’s men’s C4-5 road race.

The passing of 48-year-old Golbarnezhad is the first in competition at the Paralympics.

The last death in the Olympics came at Vancouver 2010 when Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili suffered a fatal crash during a training run.

"We have been through the scenarios which will play out here and we hope we will be able to share in your grief and really to convey that when this touches the heart of one of us, it touches the heart of everybody," said Sir Philip in giving his reaction. 

"You can tell that my heart isn't completely broken or I wouldn't be here, but it's very nearly there."

Here this evening at the Closing Ceremony, a moments silence was observed in memory of a man who leaves behind a wife and a son.

"Tonight is a celebration of the last 12 days of sport but it’s also a very sombre occasion following yesterday’s extremely tragic events," said Sir Philip prior to officially declaring the Games closed. 

"The passing of Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad has affected us all and left the whole Paralympic Movement united in grief.

"Tonight, I would like you to join me in paying our condolences to his family, friends, his team-mates and the people of Iran."

Rio 2016 President Carlos Nuzman also took the opportunity to pay his respects when addressing the crowd. 

"Before I start, I would like to send a message to the athletes of Iran and to the family of Iranian cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad who passed away yesterday in the cycling race," he said.

"Our prayers are with you.

"We're extremely sorry for your loss."

Circumstances surrounding Golbarnezhad's death are still very sketchy with a full investigation launched to establish how this fatal moment came to be.

Questions over whether the budget cuts to these Paralympic Games affected medical care to athletes were rebuffed by Sir Philip, who said the ambulance that attended to Golbarnezhad did so within two minutes and had all the necessary intensive care equipment on it.

While Sir Philip says the two-time Paralympian's death has overshadowed the Games, he maintains that they have been a success.

Bearing in mind the state of preparations just over a month ago, with ticket sales languishing at 12 per cent and organisers confirming they were unable to meet a deadline in July to pay "vital" grants to at least 60 National Paralympic Committees, you would be inclined to agree with the IPC chief to a certain extent.

But what if these issues had been addressed earlier? How much better could have these Games been?

Rio 2016 communications director Mario Andrada insisted last week that the Organising Committee has no regrets over the timing of its move to drive ticket sales for the Paralympic Games. Surely there has to be some though?

The announcement of the 12 per cent figure prompted a desperate late push to attract interest, which eventually picked up following the slashing of prices and a move to invite local children to attend.

Such was the interest in the end that 2.1 million tickets were sold overall, making Rio 2016 the second most successful Paralympic Games behind London 2012.

It perhaps would have been unjust had they eclipsed London 2012, which are widely regarded as the best-ever Games. 

But in hindsight, had they reacted sooner, they may well have achieved that feat.

Drawing the crowds out were some of the home nation’s biggest stars, such as swimming sensation Daniel Dias, who ranked fourth in the multi-medallist reckoning.

His quest to become the greatest male Paralympian of all time ultimately fell short, but a nine-medal haul, including four golds, is extremely impressive nonetheless.

Other athletes who shined brightly at their home Games included Felipe Gomes, who helped Brazil to gold in the men’s 4x100m relay T11-13 to add to the silver medals he claimed in the 100m, 200m and 400m T11 events.

Brazil’s overall taking of 72 medals, made up of 14 golds, 29 silvers and 29 bronzes, did not equate to the fifth-place finish they had targeted, but it was still a very credible showing.

Hoping to take inspiration from them will be the 2020 Paralympic hosts Japan, who produced their worst-ever performance at a Games here after claiming 10 silvers, 14 bronzes and crucially zero golds. 

Plans are already in place to help ensure a much improved performance in Tokyo in four years’ time with Japanese Paralympic Committee President Mitsunori Torihara confirming the body’s intention to analyse and decide which sports to concentrate on.

One nation unlikely to face the same quandary are China having again exerted their sporting prowess at a Paralympic Games to earn an incredible 239 medals here, including 107 golds.

Nearest challengers Britain also put on a great show with cyclist Dame Sarah Storey leading the way as they achieved their best medal haul since Seoul 1988 on the final full day of action at Rio 2016.

Britain finished with 147 medals - surpassing the 131 at Sydney 2000 - with six more golds won on day 10.

Unfortunately for them though, and the Paralympic Movement as a whole, that is a day that will forever be remembered predominantly for entirely different reasons.

Golbarnezhad’s tragic death has indeed cast a shadow over Rio 2016 and it’s not one that is likely to fade away any time soon. 

Sir Philip has said that the IPC "will look at what might need to be done for the future" and that is now what matters - taking all the necessary measures to make sure the same scenario doesn’t occur again.