Vietnamese athletes are set to compete in 36 sporting events for a top three spot at the 26th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Indonesia next month.

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 (USD2,392) 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.