Vietnam has withdrawn as the host of the 2019 Asian Games, saying it lacked funds and the country’s reputation could be at risk if the event flops.

The government’s initial decision to host the games had generated little excitement domestically and there had been increasing opposition in the media and on blogs. Many questioned whether the cost — in the hundreds of millions of dollars — was worth it given the country was still struggling to emerge from the global financial crisis.

The Olympic Council of Asia yesterday said it was “surprised” by the decision, which leaves it scrambling to find a new host.