Most years during Tet Vietnam's successful athletes can expect generous bonuses, but those who  have failed to bring home prizes often get little to nothing.

Not all athletes were lucky to receive high Tet bonuses

The Ministry of Finance has disbursed a total of VND20 billion (USD952,380) in bonuses for Vietnamese sports delegations that competed in the 27th SEA Games held in Myanmar in December 2013.

Under the regulation, athletes who won gold medals will be offered a bonus of VND45 million (USD2,140), while those with silver and bronze medals will be given VND25 million (USD1,190) and VND20 million (USD952.3) respectively.

Among more than 500 Vietnamese athletes who participated in SEA Games 2013, swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien from Can Tho City received the highest bonus for winning three gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal as well as two records for swimming at the SEA Games. Under the regulation, her total bonus adds up to VND235 million (USD111,900).  She also got some bonuses from some agencies in Can Tho City.

Marathon runner Pham Thi Binh received a bonus of VND45 million along with some bonuses from enterprises and agencies.

Others who receive high bonuses for their achievements also included runner Vu Thi Huong, chess player Truong Son and marksman Hoang Xuan Vinh.

The bonuses for SEA Games winners were relatively large, but not all athletes were lucky.

Many athletes said that they do not expect much, only what their management agencies decide to give them. However, for many who are members of a national team, Tet bonuses are also modest, sometimes just several bags of sweets or chung cakes.

Some said they have not received any bonuses for years because they have not won prizes.

Tet for athletes usually lasts for one week. For those who live far from their family, transportation costs are an obstacle and they feel ashamed going back home to their families after a years work with little or nothing to show.