Bhubaneswar: The state government will create an on-ground discussion platform called Hockey Adda in several India cities to promote and brand the Men's Hockey World Cup to be held here from November 28.

Specially-designed sculptures of hockey sticks will also be installed in Chandigarh, Bangalore, Mumbai, Bhopal, Rourkela and Imphal for further branding. Two permanent installations will come up at Kalinga Stadium, the venue of the event.

Officials who are making attempts to promote the game and the world cup on Tuesday kick-started a digital campaign - Heartbeats for Hockey - aimed to woo people to support the game through music, entertainment, fashion, sports and panel discussions.

The digital campaign stars players from the national team, who urge people to pledge their support for the game, with the question: "My heart beats for hockey, does yours?" Heartbeat canters (buses and minibus decked with the hockey theme) would be sent to Jalandhar, Lucknow, Ranchi, New Delhi and Chennai to promote the event as well.

"We are delighted to introduce the Heartbeats for Hockey campaign to revive the nation's love for hockey. We are in a hockey-loving state and we would like the entire country to fall in love with the game and cheer for our team," said sports department secretary Vishal Dev.

Odisha has already taken up a special advertising campaign on London bus using the "Odisha by Morning, Hockey by Evening" theme to brand the event. London is currently hosting the Women's Hockey World Cup. The state had also set up kiosks at the India International Travel Mart in Bangalore on Sunday.

In a related development, the government has constituted nine committees, each headed by a top bureaucrat, to ensure smooth conduct of the tournament. The committees will look after aspects, including improvement of city infrastructure, services to the delegates and players.

The seating capacity of Kalinga Stadium has been increased from 9,000 to about 16,000. Two new turfs have also been laid at the stadium, while internal roads and drains have been widened and improved. Separate food plazas have also come up at the venue.

"The world cup is going to the be grandest ever event in the state. Officials are rightly using the platform to promote hockey, which is ultimately helping Odisha to showcase its grandeur," said Nayapalli resident Dibakar Mohapatra, a sports lover.