China's Chef de Mission Zhang Haidi has hailed the country’s dominance of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

The Chef de Mission of China’s delegation for the Rio 2016 Paralympics has hailed the country’s dominance at the Games, saying it reflects the nation's efforts to provide an expansive support structure for athletes with disabilities.

China topped the medal table for a fourth consecutive Paralympic Games, becoming only the third country to win 100 golds in a single edition with a haul of 107.

Their overall tally of 239, which also included 81 silvers and 51 bronzes, was 92 more than nearest challengers Great Britain who finished second in the standings with 64 golds, 39 silvers and 44 bronzes.

Ukraine came third with 41 golds, 37 silvers and 39 bronzes, while the United States were fourth with 40 golds, 44 silvers and 31 bronzes.

Only the US and Britain had previously managed a century of gold medals at a single Paralympics.

Both achieved the feat at the 1984 Games in Stoke Mandeville and New York City, as the US claimed 137 golds and Britain 107.

"The medals of Chinese Paralympians come from the hard training of athletes and all of society's care for people with disabilities," Zhang Haidi told Xinhua.

"Some people said that it is easy for China to win a medal, but behind the scenes our athletes have made a huge effort to get to the top level, even more than athletes without disabilities.

"We also have 17 sports training centres in China for people with disabilities."

Swimming was China's most prolific event at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, delivering 37 gold medals ©Getty Images
Swimming was China's most prolific event at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, delivering 37 gold medals ©Getty Images

Swimming was China's most prolific event in Rio de Janeiro, producing 37 gold medals.

It was followed by athletics with 32, table tennis with 13, wheelchair fencing with nine, shooting with five, archery, cycling and powerlifting with three, and judo with two.

The most successful Chinese athlete was swimmer Huang Wenpan, who collected five gold medals, one more than fellow swimmer Zhang Li.

Wheelchair racer Zhou Hongzhuan was one of a number to claim three golds.

"The success is also thanks to the popularisation of sports among people with disabilities," Zhang added.

"More severely disabled athletes from China have competed in Rio.

"China emphasises that sports can aid a lot in their rehabilitation.

"Only a few people with disabilities can win a medal at the Paralympics.

"Back in China, there are around 85 million disabled people.

"The Paralympic Games and the medals won by Chinese athletes will be a big motivation for them, reminding them that we can reach our goals if we train hard."