BHUBANESWAR: The state government has planned a massive build up campaign ahead of the hockey men’s world cup to showcase Odisha as a developed, progressive and proactive state through the mega sporting event.Though the world cup event is scheduled from November 28 to December 16 at the Kalinga Stadium here, the publicity campaign will be launched on August 29 to showcase the state as the sports capital, skill powerhouse smart city Bhubaneswar and its cultural extravaganza, official sources said."The campaign will be organized mainly in the metropolitan cities, Bhubaneswar, Rourkela and some state capitals where hockey is popular. We have planned to hold the campaign in 17 Indian cities,” said state sports secretary Vishal Dev.Some internationally-renowned celebrities are likely to be involved in the build-up campaign though the detail programme is yet to be finalized. A grand opening ceremony is also planned on November 27 to showcase state’s culture and heritage.To popularize hockey through music, entertainment, fashion and panel discussion, a campaign ‘Heartbeats for Hockey’ will also be launched on August 29, Dev said.The digital campaign stars the national hockey team urging people to pledge their support for the game saying, “My heartbeats for hockey; does yours?”, said an official source.As the 100-days countdown for the event has already started, the Hockey India, International Hockey Federation (FIH) and state sports department have kickstarted campaign in social media to promote the Bhubaneswar event.To facilitate live telecast of the match for those who cannot make it to the stadium during the event, four large LED screens will be installed in the city.Sources said Baramunda ground, Janata Maidan, Idco exhibition ground and Adivasi Ground are the four places where the LED screens would be installed. Besides, the facility can also be extended to some district headquarters.Besides, a fan zone is also being planned near the stadium where the spectators can get an opportunity to meet players and officials from various teams with facilities like food and music. A replica of the world cup will also be installed near the stadium.The state government will also bear all expenses to host two hockey camps for the Indian men’s hockey team at the Kalinga Stadium. The first-phase camp is planned from September 16 to October 14 while the second-phase will be held from November 1 to 17.

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