Athletes to be sent off for 26th SEA Games

Head of the national squad, Lam Quang Thanh, told reporters at a press conference on October 20 that Vietnam will do its utmost at the SEA Games against powerhouses including Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the hosts to bag at least 70 gold medals.

"One of the toughest tasks will belong to the men's under-23 football team in its quest for top honours," Thanh said adding that the SEA Games will be a crucial test for Vietnamese athletes ahead of next year's London Olympics.

Vietnam has also set its sights on martial arts events including vovinam, karate, wushu, taekwondo and judo.

Speaking at the press conference, sponsors promised to give an immediate cash-prize of VND50 million to the first five gold medal winners at the event.

Vietnamese athletes, coaches and officials will join in a send-off ceremony at the Opera House in Hanoi on October 30.