Bhubaneswar: The state government has decided on a massive publicity campaign ahead of the Men's Hockey World Cup here later this year.

While the government unveiled an advertisement campaign on buses in London, venue for the ongoing Women's Hockey World Cup, it had also set up kiosks at an event at the India International Travel Mart in Bangalore that concluded on Sunday.

Sports and youth services department secretary Vishal Dev said the campaign would be a mix of sports and tourism. "The state is known for its tourism potential and we want to showcase that through the world cup. We will hold road shows across the country to attract people to the event," he said.

Bhubaneswar will also witness a massive publicity campaign and cover government offices and the airport.

Fifty city buses plying on major routes in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Puri will also be used to promote the hockey tourney.

"Hoardings will be installed at all major places in Bhubaneswar, Puri and Cuttack, as well as along national highways connecting Bhubaneswar with Cuttack and Puri. Flags of participating countries will be displayed at the airport, Janpath and the road to the venue," said a sports department official.

Sports minister Chandra Sarathi Behera said they were in touch with Hockey India to promote the event in other countries.

"Beautification of the stadium and other infrastructure work are being executed alongside promotional events. We hope that thousands of foreign tourists will congregate her for the event," the minister said.

Sixteen teams will play 36 matches during the tournament. Belgium and Canada will kick off the event on November 28, while hosts India will take on South Africa later that same day.

India's other two matches in the pool against Belgium and Canada will be played on December 2 and December 8, respectively.