Majid Rashed, president of the Asian Paralympic Committee, spoke highly of China's improvement in aiding people with disabilities.

"China is now at the top of the Paralympic Games' ranking," he said. "Hosting a sporting event like this is important in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

"In Tianjin this year, I can feel the differences now in China, compared with when I came to the country for the first time in 2007, for the Special Olympics World Summer Games, when I was the head of the United Arab Emirates delegation," said Rashed, who has been to China 10 times.

China's barrier-free environment has improved a lot for the disabled, especially those in wheelchairs, he said.

"I can get on public transportation easily, and there is room for a wheelchair in my hotel. It is easy for me to go to the toilet now there is no risk or danger," he said.