NEW DELHI: The Indian hockey team refused to accept a cash reward worth Rs 25, 000 which was awarded to them by the Sports Ministry after winning the Asian Champions Trophy.

Sports Minister Ajay Maken had announced a reward of Rs 25,000 each during the felicitation ceremony of the Indian hockey team.

However, Maken tweeted this morning that Rs 25000 cash award was not announced by the government but was offered by Hockey India. Minister said the government spends all money on training, coaching & foreign exposure.

After rejecting the cash reward, captain Rajpal Singh told ZeeNews that his team was disappointed by the 'hollow claims of the Sports Minister' to revive the national sport.

“The minister did not come true to our expectations, the money should be better not just for motivation of current players but for future generations who would like to take up the national sport,” Rajpal said.

India beat arch-rivals Pakistan 4-2 in Asian Champions Trophy final.