Shiva Keshavan pulls out of World Championships citing lack of funds

The 34-year old Luger issued a statement on Thursday citing the reasons for his withdrawal.

"India will be conspicuous in its absence in the Luge World Championships and the Luge World Cup circuit for the first time in 20 years. This is because the Indian team has pulled out of the remainder of the international circuit because it has not been funded," a statement issued on behalf of Keshavan said.

Keshavan also said that he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sports Minister Sarbananda Sonowal for their intervention in the matter.

The seasoned Indian luger had won a silver medal at the Asian Luge Championship in Japan last month. Keshavan’s decision to pull out of the World Luge Championships, which is scheduled to take place later this month, came on the back of being forced to let go of the services of his coach Duncan Kennedy.

"With no favourable response despite the podium finish in his previous race, Shiva has been forced to cut his season short," the statement added.

Duncan Kennedy, who was a holder of 21 world titles and the former technical director of the USA luge team, decided to quit his association with Keshavan, which began in 2014, after not receiving his full salary in 2015.

"I am amazed and surprised at how a country like India cannot come up with money to pay the expenses of a five-time Olympian. Shiva is such a great ambassador for India. His dedication to his country and his sport, his international performance and his conduct has brought India much glory and admiration wherever he has taken the Indian flag. I already knew some of the difficulties Indian athletes face due to funding, but no professional coach can work without being paid," Kennedy said, reported PTI.