Vietnam pulls out of hosting Asian Games

HANOI, Apr 18 (AP): Vietnam has withdrawn as the host of the 2019 Asian Games, saying it lacked funds and the country's reputation could be at risk if things don't go smoothly.
In a statement late Thursday, the government said hosting the event in Hanoi could "promote the country's image and position. However if the hosting is not properly and successfully prepared, it will have the opposite effect,"The statement said public money "is limited and must be prioritised for other immediate tasks."
There was no immediate reaction from the Olympic Council of Asia, which organises the event. The OCA website still had Hanoi scheduled as the 2019 host, with a video promoting the event.