The channel will remain Britain’s Paralympic broadcaster for Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020, with the letter outlining the principles of a new agreement with the IPC.

Negotiations over the exact details of the contract are expected to continue over the coming weeks, according to the IPC.

It follows Channel 4 broadcasting the recent Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, which came to a conclusion last Sunday (September 18), with their coverage described as “outstanding” by IPC President Sir Philip Craven.

The viewing figures did not quite reach the heights of the Games in London four years ago, although that trait was present in Olympic audiences for Rio 2016, which also dropped slightly in comparison.

The company also performed the role at London 2012.

“Channel 4 continues to set the international benchmark for how Paralympic sport should be covered by a broadcaster,” Sir Philip said.

“They lead the way both on and off the screen and we look forward to working with them for a further four years through to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

“Whether it is producing international award winning TV advertisements promoting Paralympic sport, recruiting on and off screen talent with an impairment or delivering BAFTA award winning coverage, Channel 4 fully understands that its coverage is not only enthralling audiences but changing attitudes towards people with an impairment.

“Channel 4 has built a reputation on innovating and bringing a new approach to Para-sport coverage which many other broadcasters around the world are now following.

“By extending our long-term partnership for a further four years covering London 2017, Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020 we can work together to build on the great work and achievements of the last four years.”

More than 700 hours from Rio 2016 was shown on Channel 4, with the IPC claiming it was watched by around 28 million viewers in Britain.

The channel is also set to increase the coverage of Para-sport through the “All 4” digital platform.

It comes amid suggestions that not enough action in Para-sport is shown in Britain outside of the Paralympic Games.

“Over the last two weeks, Channel 4 has engaged millions of British viewers with the awe-inspiring feats of elite athletes from the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games,” Channel 4 chief executive David Abraham said.

“The Paralympics speaks to Channel 4’s public service remit on many levels and I’m incredibly proud that our coverage and marketing of the Games has both helped change public perceptions of people with impairments and encouraged broadcasters around the world to show Paralympic sport.

“I’m delighted to be extending our partnership with the IPC and the worldwide Paralympic movement and I know everyone at Channel 4 will be thrilled at the prospect of raising the bar even higher than before in Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020.”

Channel 4 were largely praised for their coverage of Rio 2016. 

They included a host of presenters with impairments on their team, alongside Clare Balding and Adam Hills, who presents the comedy show The Last Leg.