India ended Asian Games 2018 campaign on a disappointing note with a bronze medal after beating arch-rivals Pakistan in the third-place game.
The setback at the Asian Games didn't just cost the team a shot at a second successive gold but also direct qualification to the 2020 Olympics.
For coach Harinder Singh, who took charge a few months back, a title in Jakarta would enter into record books as India have never won back-to-back gold in the continental showpiece.
The monthly allowance under TOPS has been started by the ministry last year but the hockey team is getting the pocket allowance for the first time.
The Indian team will be the highest ranked side in the tournament, and will be the favourites to retain their title.
With seven points from four games, India are still in with a chance of progressing to the final as they take on hosts Netherlands in their last round-robin match.
By virtue of this win late last night, India and Spain are now tied 1-1 in the series.
Harendra further revealed that they had conducted blood tests of all 48 athletes - who are currently training at SAI centre in Bengaluru ahead of the Champions Trophy - and the results have revealed a food-related deficiency in some of the players.
Sardar Singh was expected to reclaim his place in the side after being included in the national training camp in Bengaluru.
The junior men's team defeated Bangladesh 9-2 in their semifinal encounter while their women counterparts beat Malaysia 4-2 in their last-four stage match.
Hockey India also declared that forward Rani Rampal will continue as the women's team captain.
India held on to their third spot in the overall tally, behind hosts Australia and England. The Indian contingent has so far collected 11 gold, four silver and six bronze medals.
Drag Flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh (3rd minute and 44th minute) scored twice from penalty corners to steer India to the win against Malaysia.
Malaysia is ranked way below in the FIH charts but Manpreet Singh's side has been known to slip up when least expected, the opening game against Pakistan being a testimony to that.
India hockey coach Sjoerd Marijne said he found it hard to recognise the team he has been coaching while watching it squander the lead and settle for a frustrating 2-2 draw against a lackadaisical Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast on Saturday.
For India to qualify for the final, they will first have to beat Ireland by a big margin and hope Australia beat Argentina and the final round robin match between Malaysia and England ends in a draw.
Two goals in the first quarter from South Korea's Seul Ki Cheon (12th minute) and Yurim Lee (14th) sealed a win for the hosts at the Jinchun National Athletic Centre.
With celebrated goalkeeper Savita rested for the tour, Rajani Etimarpu will be joined by debutant Swati to guard the Indian goalpost in Korea.
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