Belgium's sport elite were greeted by royalty ©COIB

Belgian Olympic and Sport Committee (COIB) President Pierre-Olivier Beckers was among the guests as the sports elite of the European country were invited to the Royal Palace in Brussels.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) member was joined by a host of Olympic and Paralympic athletes as well as Philippe Vander Putten, the COIB chief executive.

Eddy De Smedt, the governing body's head of mission, was also present with the group greeted by King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and Princess Astrid.

In all, nearly 250 athletes were received by the royal party including Belgian medallists at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The country won six medals in the Brazilian city, consisting of two golds, two silvers and two bronzes.

Heptathlete Nafissatou Thiam was one of Belgium's two Olympic champions at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images
Heptathlete Nafissatou Thiam was one of Belgium's two Olympic champions at Rio 2016 ©Getty Images

Their gold medals were both in high profile events with cyclist Greg Van Avermaet winning the men's road race.

Heptathlete Nafissatou Thiam then claimed a memorable track and field victory inside the Olympic Stadium.

Silver medals went to men's 100 metres freestyle swimmer Pieter Timmers and the men's hockey team, who were beaten in the final by Argentina.

Judoka Dirk Van Tichelt claimed men's 73kg bronze while track cyclist Jolien D'Hoore came third in the women's omnium event.

Belgium improved on their London 2012 tally where they only won one silver medal and two bronzes.