Ta Xuan Lai, director of the Finance Department under the Vietnam Committee for Sports and Physical Culture, said the money would cover food, accommodation, air tickets, insurance, training-equipment hire and other costs.

The hosts required US$50 a day per person but Vietnam and other countries asked for the amount to be set at US$40. If accepted, Vietnam would save around US$65,000, Mr Lai said.

Vietnam initially planned to send a 1,000-strong delegation (including 800 athletes) to the event scheduled for November 29 - December 13.

The country sets its sights on at least 70 gold medals and a top-three finish.