Shocker: Hockey India first threatens to dump Sultan Azlan Shah Cup trip, then does U-turn over funds

"India have always figured in the previous editions of the tournament and the Sports Ministry made the exception this time keeping in mind the players' interest," he added.

Deb, however, asked Hockey India to exercise fiscal restrain in future.

"One thing I would like to make it clear is that HI needs to be more cautious and disciplined in spending money which has been allocated to them by SAI", Deb said.

"The allocation for the year was 5.94 crore and it (HI) spent 11.27 crore, more than double the allocation. This allocation of 5.94 crore was decided after discussion with HI.

So at some point of time they need to be told to become more careful while spending the money", he said.

"SAI must have told them about this spending of money. This time we have made the exception but not always," Deb said.

Earlier in the day, HI decided to withdraw from the tournament, claiming that SAI had refused to fund the team's air travel for the event.

"Hockey India has been forced to withdraw the participation of its Senior National Men team from the 22nd Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Hockey Tournament to be played at Ipoh in Malaysia from 9-17 March 2013," HI said in a statement.

"In the sanction given by Sports Authority of India to Hockey India regarding the men's team participation, it is mentioned that the team will play this tournament at no cost to government.

HI said the only obligation to

... contd.