Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa has hailed Hong Kong's paralympic athletes for winning a record 19 medals in Athens.

Hong Kong scored 11 gold medals, seven silver and one bronze, and ranked first on the medals table of the wheelchair fencing event with a record eight golds, five silvers and a bronze.

In the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Hong Kong netted 18 medals - eight gold, three silver and seven bronze.

Mr Tung said: "I would like to convey my heartfelt appreciation to each and every member of the delegation. Their achievements have earned the recognition and acclaim of the community."

Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho also congratulated the delegation, saying he is proud of the team and their excellent sportsmanship.

The 26 athletes competed in athletics, boccia, judo, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing.

They will leave Athens tomorrow after attending the closing ceremony, and arrive in Hong Kong Thursday.