The duo were honoured at a special ceremony in capital city Zagreb in the presence of the envoy of the Croatian President, Tomislav Madžar, and other dignitaries. 

Ristoski claimed the women's award for 2016 after winning F20 long jump gold at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in September.

The 27-year-old improved upon the bronze she won at London 2012 with her performance in the Brazilian city.

She also won the best athlete prize for 2015 and fended off competition from table tennis player Sandra Paović, Croatia's only other Paralympic gold medallist in Rio.

"This is a great incentive for further work with my coach and to give more of myself in every practice," said Ristoski, a double world champion.

"We want to achieve even better results and medals in the years to come, I feel we can even more raise our game. 

"I must thank my coach and family, without which there would be no such results."

Talić, twice a European champion, also impressed in the sandpit in Rio, winning silver in the men's T20 long jump.

He also won the same colour medal at London 2012.

"I am very happy," the 26-year-old said.

"It was a strong competition to get here and this is an incentive for further and better results. 

"Moving on, now I'm back in the preparation for this season's competitions which begin soon and I have to be at the peak of my form."

Ratko Kovačić, the President of the Croatian NPC, said the country had enjoyed a great year with a total medal haul in Rio of five.

"Behind us is an exciting year - a year in which our athletes showed again and again that they are among the best in the world and that they promote Croatia as a country of sporting opportunities for people with disabilities," he said.

"We have won more than 230 international medals and set four world records in 2016.

"I thank the whole Paralympic family for helping us to achieve these wonderful results."