BHUBANESWAR: The state government has planned a massive campaign ahead of the Men's Hockey World Cup to showcase Odisha as developed, progressive and proactive through the mega sporting event.Though the tournament is scheduled to be held from November 28 to December 16 at the Kalinga Stadium here, the publicity campaign - which will be launched on August 29 - will showcase the state as the sports capital of the country, as a skill powerhouse, a tourism destination, a Smart City and a cultural hub, official sources said.The campaign will be organized mainly in the cities of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela , and some state capitals where hockey is popular. "We have planned to hold the campaign in 17 cities," sports secretary Vishal Dev said. Some international celebrities are likely to be involved in the campaign, though the detailed programme is yet to be finalized.The grand opening ceremony will be held on November 27 and it will showcase the state's culture and heritage. "To popularize hockey through music, entertainment, fashion and panel discussion, a campaign called 'Heart Beats for Hockey' will be launched on August 29," Dev said.The digital campaign, which stars members of the national hockey team, urges the people to pledge their support for the game by saying, "My heart beats for hockey, does yours?" said an official source.As the 100-day countdown for the event begins, Hockey India, International Hockey Federation and the sports department have also started a campaign on social media to promote it.To facilitate live telecast of the match for those who cannot make it to the stadium, four large LED screens will be installed in the city. Sources said the Baramunda Ground, Janata Maidan, Idco Exhibition Ground and Adivasi Ground would house the giant screens. Besides, the facility is expected to be extended to some district headquarters.A fan zone has also been planned near the stadium where spectators will get an opportunity to meet the players and officials of various teams. It will also have a food and music zone. A replica of the World Cup will be installed near the stadium.The state government will bear the expenses of the two camps for the Indian men's hockey team at Kalinga Stadium. The first camp will be held from September 16 to October 14, while the second will be from November 1 to 17.

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