The 34-year-old has written to Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, requesting their intervention with the World Championships due to take place in Königssee, Germany from Friday (January 29) to Sunday (January 31).

Keshavan won a silver medal at last month’s Asian Luge Championships in the Japanese city of Nagano, the scene of his Asia Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2012, and he went to Delhi on the back of his result to submit his funding application for the upcoming races. 

But a statement issued on behalf of Keshavan read: "With no favourable response despite the podium finish in his previous race, Shiva has been forced to cut his season short."

Keshavan, the first Indian luger to compete at the Winter Olympic Games when he participated at the 1998 Games in Nagano, has also lost the services of his American coach Duncan Kennedy, who has decided to quit having not been paid his complete salary in 2015.

Kennedy, a holder of 21 world titles and former technical director of the USA Luge team, had begun working with Keshavan in 2014 and strongly believed that the Indian team had the ability to bring more successes to the country.

"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," said Kennedy, who was Keshavan’s first and only personal coach.

"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."

It is claimed in the statement that the Sports Ministry had agreed to pay Kennedy his salary in late 2015, but capped it at one-third the amount leaving Keshavan the task of paying for his coach out of his own pocket.

Keshavan has submitted a number of funding applications in the past two years, under the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF).

He has done so again this month and asked that Sonowal looks into his case favourably.

The Sports Ministry has come to Keshavan’s aid in the past, releasing Rs.10 lakh (£10,000/$15,000/€14,000) under the NSDF as part reimbursement for Kennedy’s salary

But the support has been intermittent and no expenses have been paid for things such as training, equipment and travel.

Athletes compete in nine international races to gain World Cup points for their annual ranking.

In Keshavan’s case, he was able to raise points in just three out of the nine races he could afford to go to last season and was consequently ranked 39th in the world.

"I have approached the Honourable Sports Minister to consider the 20 years of service I have given for my country and my sport," added Keshavan, who is currently without a sponsor.

"Since there is no recognised Federation, it is up to the Minister’s discretion to make a special case and sanction funds through NSDF.

"I am also approaching corporates for support through sponsorships or CSR initiatives."

The luger's full request for funding can be seen here.