The Sports Ministry announced on Thursday that a 59-member Indian team has been approved to participate in the Asian Winter Games in Harbin, China, starting on February 7.

However, the participation of 23 ice hockey team members has been approved with the condition that it will be 'at no cost to the government.'

This marks the first time the government is providing financial support to the Indian contingent for these games.

Regarding the ice hockey team, the Sports Ministry noted that it received two different player lists from unrecognized bodies. The Sports Authority of India held selection trials and submitted a list of 23 players to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The Ministry pointed out that there was no effort to update the team based on the trials, and the final list sent by the IOA included players selected by only one faction.

While the team finalized by the IOA can still compete, the government will not provide funding since sports governing bodies don’t automatically qualify for financial aid under the Assistance to National Sports Federations Scheme unless there are justified reasons.

Out of the 29 support staff approved, seven ice hockey officials and chef de mission Harjinder Singh, who is the secretary of the Ice Hockey Association of India, will need to cover their own expenses.

Initially, the IOA had recommended 76 athletes, including those from the ice hockey team.

IOA president PT Usha informed the Ministry on Monday that the athletes selected by the IOA are the only ones who can participate, as changes to the team are not feasible at this late stage. Usha had previously stated that the Ice Hockey Association of India is recognized by both the IOA and the international federation (IIHF).

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