Sepak takraw player Nguyen Thi Thuy An was the first person who came out to be surrounded by a large number of reporters.

“This is my first and longest flight to the SEA Games. I'm a bit tired but feel very excited at the warm welcome here,” she said.

For sharpshooter Cu Thi Thanh Tu, SEA Games is no novelty as she has gained a lot of experience from the playground.

“Anyway, “she said “I have never been to Indonesia before and really want to see the hosts prepare for the event. The national shooting squad will try its best to bag some gold medals.”

Vietnam’s sprinter Truong Thanh Hang appeared very confident to defend her championship title in the 800m and 1,500m events after training in Kunming, China.

Chess Grandmaster Le Quang Liem was set to score a win for his team.

Dinh Viet Hung, Secretary General of the Vietnam Aquatic Sports Association (VASA), said he was pleased with accommodation and transport arrangements.

“I can see the glint of confidence in my athletes’ eyes. They are all in good shape after a long flight. The swimming team is lucky to stay in the athletes’ village as it only takes them about 10 minutes to get to their swimming pool,” he said.

Vietnam has sent more than 600 athletes to compete at the 26^th SEA Games with the set target of winning 70-90 gold medals to rank in the top three.

The canoeing team will compete on November 11, followed by the karatedo, taekwondo, athletics, swimming and shooting teams one day later.

On their way from the airport to the city centre everyone could feel the bustling atmosphere of SEA Games with the colorful flags and banners hanging along the main boulevards and streets.