The 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro have ended but they have given us some amazing moments to cherish. India's women athletes, from PV Sindhu's sensational silver to Sakshi Malik's barn-storming bronze, provided an inspiring narrative. Here, in photos, are some of the best performances from female athletes at these Games.

Almaz Ayana (Ethiopia)

Ethiopia's Almaz Ayana set a new world record in the women's 10,000 metre final, obliterating the previous world record by 14 seconds. Image credit: Lucy Nicholson / Reuters

Castor Semenya (South Africa)

South Africa's Castor Semenya was subjected to gender testing in 2009 and could not participate in athletics for a year. At Rio, she won gold in the women's 800 metre event. Image credit: Dominic Ebenbichler / Reuters

China women's volleyball team

China's women's volleyball team won gold, defeating Serbia 3-1 in the final. Image credit: Yves Herman / Reuters

Deng Wei (China)

China's Deng Wei lifted 262 kg in the women's 63 kg weightlifting event to set a new world record. Image credit: Yves Herman / Reuters

Germany women's football team

Germany won their first ever women's football Olympic gold, defeating Sweden 2-1 in the final. Along with United States and Norway, they are the only team to win both the World Cup and the Olympics. Image credit: Murad Sezer / Reuters

Inbee Park (South Korea)

South Korea's Inbee Park won gold in the women's individual golf event. Image credit: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

Katie Ledecky (United States)

United States' Katie Ledecky won gold in four swimming events. Image credit: Michael Daldar / Reuters

Katinka Hosszu (Hungary)

Hungary's Katinka Hosszu won gold and set a world record in the 400 metre individual medley. She also won two gold medals and one silver medal in three other events. Image credit: Dominic Ebenbichler / Reuters

Nicola Adams (Great Britain)

Great Britain's Nicola Adams won her second consecutive Olympic gold in the women's 51 kg flyweight boxing event. Image credit: Peter Cziborra / Reuters

Simone Biles (United States)

United States' Simone Biles won gold in the individual all-around, vault and floor events. She was also part of the US women's team which won gold. Image credit: Mike Blake / Reuters

United States sweep the women's 100 metre hurdles

United States swept the women's 100 metre hurdles as Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin won gold, silver and bronze respectively. Image credit: Lucy Nicholson / Reuters