SEA Games medallists set to win cash bonuses

Lien Viet Bank has set aside bonus money of VND1 billion (US$ 48,000) for Vietnamese medallists at the 26th Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

In addition, the bank has pledged to award VND20 million to those who set a games' record.

Athletes who win a gold medal will be given VND5 million, while silver and bronze medallists will be awarded VND3 million and VND1 million, respectively.

 The bank also pledged to give each injured athlete VND5 million compensation if they have to withdraw from the competition.

The awards ceremony will be held in Ha Noi and HCM City one week after the SEA Games ends on November 22.

Football U19s win ticket to Asian Champs final

Viet Nam took the second group F ticket to the final round of the 2010 Asian Under-19 Football Championship on Tuesday at home.

After a 2-2 draw against North Korea at HCM City's Thong Nhat Stadium the hosts finished the group with six points from four matches.

So Yong-hyok heeled the ball into the back of the net after 25 minutes to open the score for the visitors. Five minutes later Sy Lam equalised close-range after a smart pass into the penalty box.

In the second half, the hosts went ahead after a header by Dinh Thang left Korean keeper Song Hwan stranded.

However, North Korea came back when Chung Hyok tapped the ball into the back of the net.

North Korea, on 10 points, finished top of the group.

National volleyball team worried about Kieu's fitness

Main attacker Ngo Van Kieu's injury will hamper the volleyball team's chances of winning a medal at the coming SEA Games.

Kieu, who stands 1.96 metres tall, has injured both his knees, for which he has undergone treatment since the national championships in April.

However, the Khanh Hoa Province-base athlete says he is fit enough to participate in the Games, which take place from November 13-20.

Meanwhile, spiker Huu Ha is recovering from a broken finger, though he is expected to be fully fit for the tournament.

Viet Nam have set themselves the target of finishing in the top three at this year's event. — VNS

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