PUNE: Rajpal Singh and the Indian hockey team stood firm in the face of stiff stance taken by the governing body, Hockey India, after the end of first round of parleys in New Delhi over payment of dues and salaries.

Hockey India seemed to be brushing aside the players’ boycott of the preparatory camp for the next month World Cup, but angry Rajpal and Co reiterated that the team would continue their agitation until their grievances are addressed.

The team has been demanding financial rewards due to them after their victories in the Sultan Azlan Shah tournament and the Canadian series, the silver medal at the Punjab Gold Cup and the bronze at the Champions Challenge I last year.

In New Delhi six players and the Hockey India officials held preliminary discussions to resolve a payment dispute that has stalled an ongoing camp at Balewadi here. After the players met Hockey India President AK Mattoo and some other top officials, Mattoo claimed that they broke the ice and everything was under control.

“We will have another round of meeting in the evening and I am confident that the issues will be resolved,” Mattoo said.

Rajpal said he was determined to sort out the matter. “We are not getting our rightful dues which we have earned through our hard work. All the players are angry and are feeling insulted because we are not receiving what is rightfully ours,” Rajpal said.

Chief Coach Jose Brasa hoped that the players and Hockey India will sort out the matter at the earliest so that the Indian team can continue their preparations for the World Cup to be held in the capital next month.

“Both sides should have their national interest uppermost in their minds and reach an agreement at the earliest,” he said.

 The revolt has come barely six weeks before the World Cup and is bound to have a bearing on the preparations for the February 28-March 13 event.