Athletes are being told to give preference to national assignments over prize money tournaments. This should be ensured by the Sports Authority of India and the national sports federations, says the Sports Ministry. The instructions issued today says individual players will be able to avail grants given to National Sports Federations only if they undertake to play in Indian team when called upon to do so. However, exception can be made in the event of any specific circumstances because of which the atheletes are unable to play.