KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 — Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has reminded national contingent that the real test for Malaysian athletes will be at the 2018 Asian and Commonwealth Games.

He said Malaysia’s success in the recent Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and the 9th Asean Para Games (KL2017) was a stepping stone for the national contingent to perform better at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"Once we have closed the chapter on KL2017, we have to focus on greater challenges ahead next year, namely the Asian and Commonwealth Games.

"The SEA Games is important but it’s more for the exposure of the young athletes as it is for Southeast Asia level. We will come out with best preparation for Asian and Commonwealth Games,” he said in his speech at the KL 2017 Appreciation Night here yesterday.

Khairy also said the high commitment from all parties including those involved in transportation, culture and arts, print media, logistics, marketing and sponsorship, medical, security and volunteers was a success to KL 2017. — Bernama