Bhubaneswar, June 19: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik today released a promotional video, directed by filmmaker Nila Madhab Panda, on the upcoming Asian Athletics Championship to be held here between July 5 and 9.

The 60-second video shows athletes train at the backdrop of various tourist sites of the state, ahead of their arrival for the event.

"In the next few days, the athletes will start arriving. Odisha is ready to extend a hearty welcome to all our guests to the land of unmatched cultural and natural heritage. I am indeed glad that in the shortest span of three months, we have made all arrangements, including world-class infrastructure as per IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) standards to provide the best platform for Asia's best to perform and excel," Naveen said.

Naveen also shared the video on his official social media profiles, writing: "I hope that the championships will be grand success and many new records will be created in Bhubaneswar. I wish all the athletes my very best. I am sure the Asia's premier athletics championships will inspire our youngsters to sports."

The video merges sports with Odisha tourism. "Shot in various attractive locations and creating a visual mix of our rich heritage with sports are intended to showcase the state's rich culture in all parts of the world," said the filmmaker.

"It is a proud moment for the people of the state, which now jumps into the big league of world sports," he said.

The event will help the state tourism sector grow with the tourism department promoting the tourist spots during the event. "The department has allocated Rs 4 crore for the endeavour. The event will see a gathering of people from across the globe and help us popularise tourism in the state," said tourism minister Ashok Chandra Panda.

Around 800 athletes from 46 Asian countries will arrive in the state for the championships. Besides, 400 officials will take part in the championships, which will host events in 42 disciplines.

The chief minister had earlier flagged off two vehicles carrying Olly, the event mascot, which will tour the districts to spread awareness and publicity for the event. This is India's third time in hosting the event, after Delhi in 1989 and Pune in 2013.