New Delhi: Five-time Olympian and poster boy of winter sports in India, Shiva Keshavan has pulled out of the Luge World Championships in Germany and Luge World Cup circuit due to "lack of funds".

"India will be conspicuous in its absence in the Luge World Championships and the Luge World Cup circuit for the first time in 20 years. This is because the Indian team has pulled out of the remainder of the international circuit because it has not been funded," a statement issued on behalf of Keshavan said.